"Nick Pivetta, Michael King and Joe Musgrove have the upside to be one of the best top halves in the National League. Musgrove is coming back from Tommy John surgery, while King was limited to 74 1/3 innings last year (playoffs included) by a nerve issue in his shoulder and left knee inflammation. They're free of any restrictions this spring."
"That all but ensures that Randy Vásquez will get a season-opening rotation spot. Manager Craig Stammen said at the beginning of camp that the righty had a leg up on a job. Vásquez is out options and needed to make the team in some capacity. He outperformed mediocre peripherals for most of last season but improved his strikeout rate to a league average level in September."
"Free agent pickup Griffin Canning has yet to pitch this spring as he works back from last June's Achilles tear. He's very likely starting the season on the injured list. That's also true of knuckleballer Matt Waldron, though it could be close to a minimal IL stay for the right-hander."
The San Diego Padres are positioned to have a strong top three in their rotation with Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Joe Musgrove, who collectively have the potential to rank among the National League's best. Musgrove is returning from Tommy John surgery while King dealt with shoulder nerve issues and knee inflammation last season, but both are cleared this spring. Beyond the top three, the rotation picture becomes uncertain. Griffin Canning, acquired as a free agent, is recovering from an Achilles tear and will likely start the season on the injured list. Matt Waldron, a knuckleballer, is also expected to begin on the injured list but may have a minimal stay. Randy Vásquez is nearly assured a rotation spot due to being out of options and needing to make the team.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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