The San Diego Padres have been without starting pitcher Michael King for a while this season, as the trade acquisition from the Juan Soto deal hasn't pitched since the middle of May in 2025. But, he finally returned to the mound for San Diego.

King had been sidelined since late May because of an injury to his long thoracic nerve. His return could be a season-changer.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/padres as Padres' Michael King Reacts to First Start After Missing 12 Weeks. San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King provided insight on his return to the mound on Saturday after missing nearly three months with a pinched nerve.