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The San Diego Padres' starting rotation was not expected to be a major strength entering the postseason, leaving manager Craig Stammen with minimal room for error. The only clear misstep would have been to hand the ball to anyone other than Michael King in Game 1, regardless of when or where their October run begins.
King tops all Padres starters in ERA (3.21), starts (32), innings (185), and strikeouts (159). The right-hander is the logical choice to give the Padres their best shot at taking a 1-0 lead in any playoff series.
On Sunday, Stammen made the obvious official. King started the opener of the Padres' three-game set against the Dodgers on Tuesday in Los Angeles. He had been slated to start Wednesday's game, but Stammen wanted King lined up for the team's most critical game of the season, whenever that might be.
"It lines [King] up for the last day of the season if that game really matters, and it's a win-or-go-home type game," Stammen said. "So it sets up our best pitcher in a win-or-go-home scenario. And then if he doesn't pitch that game, he would most likely pitch Game 1."
While Los Angeles aims to secure a first-round bye into the National League Division Series, the Padres are focused on officially clinching a postseason berth against the Dodgers. The math is nearly a formality.
Through Wednesday, after splitting the first two games of the series with the Dodgers, the Padres (88-70) hold a four-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks (84-74) in the wild-card standings. The Padres' magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 1. A Padres win or a Diamondbacks loss over the season's final four games will send San Diego to the playoffs.
The Diamondbacks' series finale against the Colorado Rockies in Denver on Thursday begins at 12:10 p.m. PT. That means a clinching celebration could occur in the visitor's clubhouse at Dodger Stadium on Thursday night, whether or not the Padres win the series finale.
Whenever that happens — assuming it does — King will know when he'll make his next start. The only remaining question is who his opponent will be. Regardless, he'll get the ball in the Padres' most important game of the 2026 season.
Key Analysis
King's consistent performance has made him the anchor of the Padres' rotation, and Stammen's decision ensures the team's best pitcher will be on the mound when it matters most. With the playoffs within reach, the Padres are relying on King to deliver in high-pressure situations.