Michael King to Pitch Out of Bullpen in Wild-Card Series
Michael King will be available out of the bullpen during the entire wild-card series at Wrigley Field this week against the Chicago Cubs, according to manager Mike Shildt. Right-hander Nick Pivetta will start Game 1 on Tuesday, followed by right-hander Dylan Cease in Game 2 on Wednesday. If necessary, right-hander Yu Darvish will likely get the nod in a deciding Game 3 on Thursday. King only made 15 starts in 2025 after missing the majority of the year, first with a right-shoulder injury and then a knee ailment. The 30-year-old made just five starts after injuring his shoulder in May and wasn't good, recording a 6.11 ERA with 12 strikeouts and nine walks in 17 2/3 innings to close out the year. He finished the year 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA (4.42 FIP) with 76 strikeouts and 26 walks in 73 1/3 innings. If the Padres advance to the National League Division Series, King could rejoin the starting rotation.
Source: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
San Diego Padres right-hander Source: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell

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