Padres Reacts Survey: San Diego needs to cut ties with rotation pieces

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 23: Manager Craig Stammen of the San Diego Padres (L) takes the ball from Griffin Canning #17 during a pitching change in the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park on June 23, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country.

Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.San Diego Padres fans came into Spring Training knowing the pitching rotation was going to be without the services of Yu Darvish due to offseason surgery. There were questions about Randy Vasquez and his ability to perform consistently on the major league level, but the combination of Michael King and Nick Pivetta along with the return of Joe Musgrove was a promising top of the rotation.

Fast forward to this point in the season and not only have the Padres been without Darvish, but they have also not seen Pivetta due to injury, Musgrove has yet to even step on the mound in the regular season and Vasquez, who started hot, has looked like the Vasquez of a year ago with short outings, hard hit balls and questionable command. San Diego general manager and president of baseball operations A.J.

Preller tried to address the pitching depth issues, known and anticipated, while working with a restricted budget, but only Walker Buehler has performed well on a consistent basis. German Marquez made his way to the injured list but was not overly impressive before his IL stint and Matt Waldron never really threatened to take and hold a spot in the rotation.Griffin Canning was signed in the offseason but was coming back from an Achilles injury.

He performed well for the New York Mets a season ago before his injury and the hope was, he would return to form as a member of the San Diego rotation. That has not been the case. Canning has appeared in 10 games, has start