How the Padres’ No. 3 starter role battle is shaping

TL;DR

The San Diego Padres are evaluating their No. 3 starter role as injuries complicate their rotation. Griffin Canning and Lucas Giolito are returning options, while Walker Buehler, German Marquez, and Matt Waldron compete for the spot.

Key points

Padres evaluating No. 3 starter role due to injuries
Griffin Canning and Lucas Giolito returning from injuries
Walker Buehler, German Marquez, and Matt Waldron competing for the spot
Canning expected to debut in May
Giolito training with Single-A affiliate

Mentioned in this story

Craig Stammen

San Diego PadresGriffin CanningLucas GiolitoWalker Buehler

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Griffin Canning (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images) The first month of the 2026 season is in the book. The main priority for the San Diego Padres is still rectifying their starting rotation. Injuries have made it impossible to figure out the rotation beyond Michael King and Randy Vasquez in the top two spots. The next order of business is deciding the future of Walker Buehler, German Marquez, and, to a lesser extent, Matt Waldron. None of them has been consistent at all to claim the third starter role and complement King and Vasquez. Performance does matter.

A Canning and Giolito sighting could be coming to Petco Park

With the order of the rotation still up for grabs, the front office has some sorting out to do. Reinforcements like Griffin Canning and Lucas Giolito are working their way back to the majors. Canning is close to making his season debut after rehabbing a ruptured left Achilles tendon suffered last June. He has made four starts with the Padres Triple-A affiliate, El Paso Chihuahuas. Canning has a 1-1 record with a 3.60 ERA. He has struck out 18 batters in 15 innings pitched. Circle the second week of May for him to become a viable starting-pitching option. Newly signed Lucas Giolito 25 days to get his arm and body ready to pitch in the majors. All of Giolito’s training will take place with the Friars Single-A affiliate, Lake Elsinore Storm. In his first start, he exited the contest after being hit by a comebacker to the mound. Giolito is with a bruised pitching hand and will make his next start. Before Giolito left the game, his velocity was between 90 and 91 mph, which was lower than expected but not alarming. The Friar Faithful can expect him to be available to start by the third week in May. Canning and Giolito offer plenty of value in a starter role because of their high-end pitching repertoire when healthy. The Friars do not need them to be elite with an under 1.00 WHIP, but each must stay consistent on the mound to keep the Padres close in every game.

Q&A

Who are the main candidates for the Padres' No. 3 starter role?

The main candidates for the Padres' No. 3 starter role are Walker Buehler, German Marquez, and Matt Waldron.

When is Griffin Canning expected to make his season debut?

Griffin Canning is expected to make his season debut around the second week of May.

What is Lucas Giolito's status with the Padres?

Lucas Giolito is currently training with the Padres' Single-A affiliate and is expected to be ready to pitch by the third week of May.

How will the Padres decide on their starting rotation?

The Padres will decide on their starting rotation based on the performance of their pitchers, particularly focusing on consistency and the ability to pitch effectively in situational baseball.