Padres News: Friars Key Rotation Piece Could be Back This Week

Seth Lugo is set to make a start against San Francisco barring any setbacks.

The San Diego starting pitching rotation could see a friendly face as starter Seth Lugo is set to return from a calf injury during the Padres' four-game series in San Francisco, according to a report from 97.3 The Fan San Diego.

After straining his left calf, Lugo has missed about a month of baseball, but manager Bob Melvin indicated that he will return from the IL without spending any time on a minor-league rehab assignment.

Assuming Seth Lugo comes out of his bullpen well, he looks like he'll slot back into the #Padres rotation on Tuesday in San Francisco.

— Jeff Sanders (@sdutSanders) June 17, 2023

"Assuming Seth Lugo comes out of his bullpen well, he looks like he'll slot back into the #Padres rotation on Tuesday in San Francisco."

(Via @sdutSanders)

A first-year Padre, Lugo started 8 games before his injury, sporting a 4.10 ERA and a 3.5 strikeout to walk ratio. Lugo's consistency will be a welcome sight to a rotation that recently lose Ryan Weathers, who was demoted to Triple-A El Paso.

"If everything goes well, you might see him in San Francisco in the (Ryan) Weathers slot," said Melvin. "He still has another bullpen to throw and we'll see where we go from there. But I'm really confident that's where it will be."

(Via mlblogs.com)

The return of Lugo will bolster a starting rotation that has been among the best in baseball this season, with Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove and Blake Snell serving as an elite trio. Michael Wacha has been more than serviceable with a 2.89 ERA and a 3.29 K/BB.

Barring the results of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, the Padres have either won or tied each series dating back to their losing series against the Yankees in late May. A healthy Lugo will certainly help the Padres, who are looking to forget a mediocre start to the season.