### Padres Set to Start Ryan Bergert Against Giants Tonight

San Diego Padres have called upon Ryan Bergert to take the mound in tonight's game against the San Francisco Giants. The 25-year-old right-handed pitcher, recently recalled from Triple-A El Paso, will go head-to-head with Landen Roupp in his first major league start.

Bergert's promotion marks his second stint with the Padres this season. In his previous major league appearance, he pitched four scoreless innings over four relief outings in late April. This time around, he is expected to take on a more pivotal role. According to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune, Bergert is set to be examined as a potential fifth starter in the Padres' rotation.

The necessity for Bergert's call-up stems from a shoulder issue that has kept Michael King sidelined for the past couple of weeks. The Padres initially recalled Kyle Hart to fill what was supposed to be King's spot. However, after Hart allowed five runs over 4 2/3 innings against the Miami Marlins, he was promptly sent back to Triple-A.

Presently, the top four spots in the Padres' pitching rotation are occupied by Dylan Cease, Nick Pivetta, Stephen Kolek, and Randy Vásquez. San Diego is currently navigating a stretch of 14 consecutive game days, with another two weeks of continuous play on the horizon. The packed schedule leaves little room for bullpen games to cover the fifth rotation spot, further emphasizing the importance of Bergert's performance.

Complicating matters, both Hart and Matt Waldron have been optioned in recent days and cannot be recalled for a couple of weeks unless an injury occurs. This indicates that neither pitcher was in consideration for the interim fifth starter role. Meanwhile, Michael King's return remains uncertain due to a pinched nerve, and although there's no structural damage, the timeline for his recovery is still unclear.

Also of note, Yu Darvish, who has been out for the entire season with elbow inflammation, has been pulled from a rehab assignment due to soreness. While he is currently throwing side sessions, it appears he will need additional rehab starts before he is game-ready.

Ryan Bergert, a sixth-round pick from West Virginia in 2021, was ranked as San Diego's #21 prospect by Baseball America over the winter. With an arsenal that includes a 94 MPH fastball, a mid-80s slider, and a developing changeup, he has demonstrated decent control in Triple-A. In nine starts for El Paso, Bergert has managed a 3.75 ERA and a 24% strikeout rate, typically pitching 3-4 inning stints. His most recent minor league appearance saw him throw four scoreless innings with four strikeouts.

With the Padres in desperate need of stability in their starting rotation, all eyes will be on Bergert as he gets set for tonight's critical matchup against the Giants.