How good was Michael King in his transition to the rotation last season? Good enough that he’s the Padres’ Opening Day starter in 2025. Manager Mike Shildt officially tabbed King as the Padres’ starting pitcher when they open their 2025 season on March 27 at Petco Park.

Michael King arrived as a relative unknown in Padres camp last spring. A year later, the former reliever will start for them on Opening Day.

After finishing seventh in Cy Young voting in first year as a starting pitcher, King gets nod for March 27 opener; there remains uncertainty over when Yu Darvish will throw