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San Diego Padres fans came into Spring Training knowing the pitching rotation was going to be without the services of Yu Darvish due to offseason surgery. There were questions about Randy Vasquez and his ability to perform consistently on the major league level, but the combination of Michael King and Nick Pivetta along with the return of Joe Musgrove was a promising top of the rotation.
Fast forward to this point in the season and not only have the Padres been without Darvish, but they have also not seen Pivetta due to injury, Musgrove has yet to even step on the mound in the regular season and Vasquez, who started hot, has looked like the Vasquez of a year ago with short outings, hard hit balls and questionable command. San Diego general manager and president of baseball operations A.J. Preller tried to address the pitching depth issues, known and anticipated, while working with a restricted budget, but only Walker Buehler has performed well on a consistent basis. German Marquez made his way to the injured list but was not overly impressive before his IL stint and Matt Waldron never really threatened to take and hold a spot in the rotation.
Griffin Canning was signed in the offseason but was coming back from an Achilles injury. He performed well for the New York Mets a season ago before his injury and the hope was, he would return to form as a member of the San Diego rotation. That has not been the case. Canning has appeared in 10 games, has started eight and holds a 1-5 record with a 7.38 ERA. He has allowed 45 hits with 26 walks and eight home runs. Canning lasted just 0.2 innings against the Atlanta Braves after allowing four runs. Padres manager Craig Stammen has elected to use an opener the last two times out for Canning and the first rendition was successful with Canning throwing four-plus innings and allowing one run to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Lucas Giolito was signed after Spring Training and was expected to be a much-needed boost to the rotation. He has not been anything close to what was expected. His velocity is down, which makes his devastating changeup less effective and his command has been poor throughout his seven appearances with San Diego. Giolito currently holds a 2-3 record and a 5.16 ERA. He has allowed 33 hits and 23 walks with one home run allowed and has now landed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation.
Canning and Giolito have not been effective and either one could be the first one to go if Marquez or Waldron return from injury or if Jhony Brito forces his way into the rotation. Both would likely be gone with the returns of Pivetta and Musgrove, but those returns are not expected any time soon. It is clear that change is ahead for the Padres and if not before the trade deadline, then certainly after it. So, who should be the first to go when the rotation spot is needed?
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