King returned from a three-month stint on the IL with a right knee inflammation, rejoining a Padres rotation that had been operating with limited depth. His early bounce-back numbers post-trade (17–11, 2.92 ERA in 42 apps for SD) show upside, but he’ll need to prove durability down the stretch and in potential playoff starts, especially with the $15M mutual option looming.

King anchors the Padres rotation when healthy; knee inflammation triggers a precautionary IL move after a brief return from a thoracic nerve injury. No structural damage was found, and San Diego aims for a Seattle-based return after the minimum IL spell. His 11-start line prior to IL—4-2 with 2.81 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, 57 strikeouts in 57.2 innings—highlights his upside if he can stay on the mound.

King’s shoulder issue forced a bullpen game for SD, altering how the Padres navigated LA’s lineup. His absence turned the pitching plan upside down, making late-inning usage and bullpen depth more critical for SD’s chance to stay competitive in this series.

King’s IL stint forces SD to navigate LA’s lineup without their usual top setup man. King’s absence pushes SD to lean on bullpen day planning and revamp inning-by-inning strategy, testing SD’s depth and resilience in a high-leverage series against Kershaw.

King, returning from a shoulder-related IL stint, is projected for a strong return with over 5.5 Ks in Saturday’s start; the model forecasts around 6.46 Ks, highlighting upside in a favorable home matchup versus Boston.