September 30, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a single during the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Michael King was one of the assets the San Diego Padres acquired when they traded Juan Soto to the New York Yankees in December, but there is uncertainty about the role he will play.
King appeared in 49 games for New York in 2023, with just nine starts. However, San Diego is in dire need of a starter after Blake Snell (2023 National League Cy Young Award winner), Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha all left in free agency.
Nearly 10 months later, there is no longer any controversy over King's role. The 29-year-old right-hander will start Tuesday night in Game 1 of the fourth-seeded Padres' best-of-three National League wild-card series against the fifth-seeded Atlanta Braves.
Atlanta's pitching plans are uncertain after Monday's last chance to squeeze into the playoffs.
King went 13-9 in 31 games (30 starts) during the regular season, ranking fourth in the NL in ERA (2.95) and fifth in strikeouts (201). In 23 of 30 starts, he allowed two earned runs or less.
“He's pitching really well,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said Monday. “He leads in ERA… He's able to navigate both sides of the plate with his arsenal. Michael is really nasty, but he competes really well.”
Shildt said he informed King on Saturday that he would be the starter for Game 1. Joe Musgrove will start Game 2 on Wednesday, and if necessary, right-hander Dylan Seth will start Game 3 on Thursday.
Tuesday will mark King's second career playoff appearance. He pitched two perfect innings of relief for the Yankees in Game 3 of the 2020 American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The series was played in San Diego during the COVID-19 pandemic with empty stadiums. Now that Petco Park is considered one of the top environments in the major leagues, King is looking forward to that atmosphere.
“It's very uncomfortable for a team to come in here,” King said of the raucous environment. “It's going to be a really tough time for our opponents. I can't wait to turn on my PitchCom (device) and make sure I hear everything. It's going to be a fun time (Tuesday night).”
King has faced Atlanta just once in his career, and that came against the Yankees last season. He pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings and gave up one hit.
The Braves clinched a playoff spot for the seventh consecutive season on Monday in a doubleheader with the New York Mets. Atlanta lost the lead in the ninth inning of the first game and ultimately lost 8-7, but won the second game 3-0 to secure a playoff spot.
Atlanta ace left-hander Chris Sale (18-3, 2.38 ERA) missed a doubleheader with back spasms in his last game against the Cincinnati Reds on Sept. 19. Warriors head coach Brian Snitker said he doesn't expect Sale to play in the series against San Diego.
The Braves boarded a long flight from Atlanta to San Diego on Monday night without announcing who would start Game 1.
Star first baseman Matt Olson isn't too worried about the situation his club is facing, as the Braves have been plagued by injuries all year.
The biggest offensive loss is 2023 NFC MVP Ronald Acuna Jr., who suffered a season-ending knee injury in May. Slugger Austin Riley (fractured hand) is also set to retire this year, while three-time All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies recently returned from a broken wrist.
Among the pitching losses was standout right-hander Spencer Strider, who made two starts to start the season before undergoing season-ending elbow surgery.
“Everyone struggles with injuries throughout the year,” Olson said Monday. “When you're on your own, you focus too much… No one on the outside cares. We've never used that as an excuse. Those are obviously some of the biggest names in the game and they have some numbers on their baseball cards. players.
The Padres are 4-3 against the Braves this season.
–Scene-level media