Padres Call Up JP Sears to Boost Rotation vs Rockies

The San Diego Padres recalled starting pitcher JP Sears from Triple-A El Paso to start a spot game against the Colorado Rockies, aiming to give their regular rotation, including Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish, Michael King, and Nick Pivetta, additional rest as they prepare for the postseason. Sears, acquired from the Athletics at the trade deadline, has a 5.52 ERA in three starts with the Padres this season and was seen as a reliable option to help manage the workload of the veteran starters. However, in his start against the Rockies, Sears struggled, allowing four runs in the fourth inning, which contributed to the Padres' 4-2 loss to the Rockies, a team with one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball. Despite the setback, the Padres remain in a competitive position in the National League Wild Card race and are focused on maintaining the health and effectiveness of their pitching staff for the playoffs. Manager Mike Shildt expressed confidence in Sears and emphasized the strategic nature of the move to preserve his top starters' stamina. The Padres have been strong against the Rockies this season but faced offensive challenges during Sears' start, highlighting the importance of roster depth as the postseason approaches.