Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Michael King, 30-year-old San Diego Padres starting pitcher, has posted a 3-2 record with a 2.76 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts across 45 2/3 innings through eight starts in 2026. Despite strong surface-level statistics, King has expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, citing struggles with sinker command and increased mental fatigue. He's been forced to rely on scouting reports and pitching to hitter weaknesses rather than attacking with his signature sinker. His ground ball rate has improved to 45.8% (from 38.3% in 2025), and his HR/9 has dropped to 0.79. However, his 11.1% walk rate remains a concern. King was limited to 15 starts in 2025 due to shoulder and knee injuries. Recent performances show dominance (7 scoreless innings vs. Dodgers with 9 K's) but also inconsistency in command mechanics.
Strengths
- + Strong ERA of 2.76 through 8 starts
- + Improved ground ball rate to 45.8% (career-high territory)
- + HR/9 reduced to 0.79, aligning with career average
- + Recent dominant performance vs. Dodgers (7 IP, 0 R, 9 K)
- + 45 strikeouts in 45.2 innings shows solid strikeout rate
- + Serving as stabilizing force for injury-plagued Padres rotation
- + Low WHIP of 1.05
- + Multiple games with 5+ innings and 1 hit or fewer (3 games, most in MLB)
Injury Status: day-to-day
About
Michael King is a sp for the San Diego Padres.
Player Overview
SP
San Diego Padres
Recent News
Padres finally back Michael King s gem, blank rivals in shutout win
May 19, 2026
Last Night in Baseball: Unreal Ending To Athletics-Angels
May 19, 2026
Michael King: Masterful in fourth win
May 19, 2026
Michael King shut out the Dodgers for seven innings, striking out nine, for his fourth win Monday.
May 19, 2026
Good Morning San Diego: Michael King outduels Yoshinobu Yamamoto, leads Padres to win over Dodgers
May 19, 2026