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Veteran Pitcher Giving Padres Obvious Rotation Solution

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Mar 16, 2026 7:51 PM ET

On Monday, it was announced that starting pitcher Joe Musgrove will likely begin the 2026 season on the injured list. Meanwhile, Walker Buehler turned in five innings of shutout baseball in his spring training start against the San Francisco Giants. Buehler added seven strikeouts in a 3-1 victory. So, will the veteran be a serious option to help replace Musgrove in the rotation?

Buehler now holds a 3.09 ERA across three starts this spring. He is second on the team in spring training strikeouts with a mark of 13. The veteran pitcher, who has battled injury concerns of his own to go along with up and down performances at times, has looked sharp with the Padres.

At this point, it would be surprising if Buehler did not make the Opening Day roster. He is doing more than enough to catch manager Craig Stammen and the team's attention.

Padres' Outlook With Walker Buehler Potentially in the Rotation

San Diego Padres pitcher Walker Buehler (10) throws against the Los Angeles AngelsRick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Michael King will lead the starting rotation. Musgrove, as mentioned, will likely begin the new campaign on the IL. Yu Darvish is also dealing with an injury and has been involved in retirement rumors as well.

Nick Pivetta will likely follow King. Pitchers such as Randy Vasquez and German Marquez are among the other rotation options. Buehler seems to have a respectable chance of landing the No. 5 spot in the rotation.

Buehler, 31, pitched with the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies in 2025. He struggled overall, recording a 4.93 ERA across 26 total appearances (24 starts).

Buehler has not been especially sharp on a consistent basis since 2021, when he turned in a 2.47 ERA in 33 starts with the Los Angeles Dodgers and finished fourth in National League Cy Young voting. He's been impacted by injuries since, and Buehler has been unable to replicate his success while on the mound.

With all of that being said, Buehler knows what it takes to find success in the big moments. In 2024, he pitched to a 3.60 ERA in the postseason with the Dodgers. He is a two-time World Series champion who has 19 games of postseason experience. For a Padres ball club that is looking to take the next step in the playoffs, Buehler should only help matters.

For now, Walker Buehler is focused on trying to make the Opening Day roster.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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