Padres Make Michael King Move Ahead of Dodgers Game

King’s new schedule could also affect how the Padres handle their regular-season finale. If the final game has postseason-seeding implications, King could be lined up to start that contest as well.

If the finale does not affect the standings, the Padres could instead give King additional rest before using him in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series.

The move comes with San Diego entering the final week of the regular season in strong position. The Padres are 87-69 and have won 13 of their last 14 games, putting them in a tie for the top National League Wild Card position.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, enter Tuesday’s matchup at 96-60 after already clinching the NL West. That gives San Diego an opportunity to test King against a division opponent while also managing his workload for the postseason.

King has been a key part of the Padres’ rotation throughout the season. The right-hander is 12-9 with a 3.03 ERA and 1.16 WHIP, striking out 154 batters over 181 innings in 31 starts.

He has also recorded eight consecutive quality starts. In his most recent outing Sept. 17, King allowed two runs over six innings against the Colorado Rockies to earn the win.

With six regular-season games remaining, San Diego still has important decisions to make with its rotation. Moving King up gives the Padres another option as they balance the final week with their postseason plans.

Greatest Padres of All Time

• 5 Best San Diego Padres Hitters in History
• 5 Best San Diego Padres Pitchers in History

More on the San Diego Padres

• Miami Marlins at San Diego Padres MLB Prediction, Picks & Odds for Sept. 20, 2026
• Miami Marlins at San Diego Padres MLB Prediction, Picks & Odds for Sept. 19, 2026
• Miami Marlins at San Diego Padres MLB Prediction, Picks & Odds for Sept. 18, 2026
• Xander Bogaerts Accomplishes Unique Padres Feat Against Rockies