Mike Shildt makes surprising announcement ahead of Padres’ NL Wild Card Series

Today, the San Diego Padres begin their quest for their first World Series championship in franchise history. The Friars host the Atlanta Braves for Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series on Tuesday evening with the first pitch slated to be thrown at 5:38 p.m. PT.

But that first pitch won’t be thrown by Dylan Cease. Nope, it won’t be Joe Musgrove either. Manager Mike Shildt surprised many of the Friar faithful with the announcement that Michael King will get the ball for Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series. Musgrove will get the call for Game 2, and if necessary, Shildt will turn Cease in Game 3.

Mike Shildt announced that Michael King will be the Padres starter for Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series
It’s difficult to say that King hasn’t earned this start. The former New York Yankees reliever turned starter has been everything president of baseball operations A.J. Preller could have hoped for this season. In fact, had it not been for the fact that Cease tossed no-hitter this season and has been mentioned as potential Cy Young finalist, Pads fans would likely view King’s addition as San Diego’s biggest acquisition of the year.

On the season, King went 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA and 201 punch outs over 173.2 innings of work. King made 31 appearances this season, including 30 starts and has been lights out in his last 15 outings. The right-hander owns a sparkling 2.41 ERA during that span with 100 strikeouts to just 26 walks.

Yu Darvish will work out of Padres bullpen during NL Wild Card Series
With the trio of King, Musgrove, and Cease being named to the Padres starting rotation for the NL Wild Series against the Braves, that obviously means that Yu Darvish will be headed to the bullpen. Shildt spoke about the decision, citing Darvish’s willingness to be a team player and his latest start coming more recently that the other three Padres’ hurlers.

Shildt said that Darvish will be available for whatever role they need him, however, it seems unlikely that San Diego’s coaching staff would turn to the veteran outside of an emergency situation or a need for multiple innings should one of their starters get into trouble early. Shildt would undoubtedly love to keep Darvish rested, and if the series goes three games, turn to right-hander for Game 1 of a potential NLDS matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Deep breath, Padres fans. Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series begins in less than 12 hours. Will this finally be the year for the Friar faithful to celebrate a World Series win? The journey begins tonight with a matchup against the Braves.