Overview
- The Padres expect Lucas Giolito to debut this weekend against the Mariners in Seattle, according to multiple reports citing the San Diego Union-Tribune.
- He signed on April 22 to a one-year deal with a $3 million base salary and up to $5 million in incentives, with reporting also noting a 2027 mutual option.
- Giolito made four minor-league tuneups totaling 17 innings with a 4.76 ERA, finishing with six innings of one-run, no-walk ball against Oakland’s Double-A affiliate.
- His activation would create a roster squeeze, with struggling right-hander Matt Waldron viewed as the likeliest cut because he has no minor-league options and a 9.28 ERA.
- San Diego seeks stability in a thin rotation as Giolito returns from missing 2024 and brings a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts for Boston in 2025.