The San Diego Padres have adjusted their starting rotation after placing right-hander Lucas Giolito on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation.
The move was announced on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, ahead of a crucial weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Roster Moves and Schedule Changes
To fill Giolito's roster spot, the Padres recalled 30-year-old pitcher JP Sears from Triple-A El Paso.
Sears is scheduled to start Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves, pushing back the rest of the rotation for the upcoming games at Petco Park.
Right-hander Randy Vásquez will now start Friday against the Dodgers. Walker Buehler, originally slated for the series opener, will pitch later in the weekend alongside Michael King.
The Padres are currently facing the Atlanta Braves, who hold a 48-29 record, before hosting the 50-29 Dodgers.
Both teams project as top seeds in the National League postseason picture.
Giolito leaves the rotation with a 2-3 record and a 5.16 ERA over seven appearances this season.
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Sears joins the major league club after posting a 4-3 record and a 7.92 ERA with El Paso.
Minor league data shows Sears struggled against right-handed hitters, who batted . 348 against him.
Left-handed batters in Triple-A posted a lower . 267 average against him.
The revised rotation lines up the Padres' best healthy starters for the Dodgers series.
However, San Diego must first rely on Sears and Griffin Canning to cover innings against a potent Atlanta offense.
Canning holds a 1-5 record with a 6.64 ERA.
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If Sears fails to stabilize the rotation, the Padres may consider promoting right-handed pitcher Jhony Brito from the minors.
