Padres' Randy Vasquez Likely to Earn Rotation Spot

Manager says Vasquez has 'inside track' for one of the starting rotation spots.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The San Diego Padres' manager Craig Stammen recently stated that pitcher Randy Vasquez has an "inside track" to earn one of the open spots in the team's starting rotation. Vasquez made 28 appearances, including 26 starts, for the Padres in 2025 and finished the season with a 3.84 ERA over 133.2 innings pitched, though his 78:52 strikeout-to-walk ratio was less impressive.

Why it matters

The Padres' starting rotation is a key component of the team's success, and securing a spot in it is an important milestone for a young pitcher like Vasquez. His performance last season, combined with the manager's endorsement, suggests he is poised to take the next step in his career and become a regular part of the Padres' pitching staff.

The details

Vasquez is expected to join a rotation that already includes Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Joe Musgrove. While his 3.84 ERA from 2025 was solid, some regression is likely given his less-than-stellar strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, the Padres appear willing to give Vasquez an opportunity to build on his previous season and solidify his spot in the rotation.

  • Padres manager Craig Stammen recently stated that Vasquez has an "inside track" to a rotation spot.
  • Vasquez made 28 appearances, including 26 starts, for the Padres in 2025.

The players

Randy Vasquez

A pitcher for the San Diego Padres who made 28 appearances, including 26 starts, in 2025 and is expected to earn a spot in the team's starting rotation for the upcoming season.

Craig Stammen

The manager of the San Diego Padres, who has stated that Vasquez has an "inside track" to earn a spot in the team's starting rotation.

Nick Pivetta

A pitcher who is locked into the Padres' starting rotation for the upcoming season.

Michael King

A pitcher who is locked into the Padres' starting rotation for the upcoming season.

Joe Musgrove

A pitcher who is locked into the Padres' starting rotation for the upcoming season.

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What they’re saying

“Vasquez has an "inside track" to one of the spots in the rotation.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager (MLB.com)

The takeaway

Vasquez's performance last season and the manager's endorsement suggest he is poised to take the next step in his career and become a regular part of the Padres' starting rotation. This opportunity could be a significant milestone for the young pitcher as he looks to solidify his role with the team.