Padres Make Roster Move, Send Down Pitcher Ahead of Game vs Dodgers

Aug 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Randy Vasquez (98) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres recalled right-handed reliever Ron Marinaccio from Triple-A El Paso ahead of the second game of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday.

In a corresponding move, they optioned Randy Vasquez to Triple-A.

We have recalled RHP Ron Marinaccio from Triple-A El Paso and optioned RHP Randy Vásquez to El Paso.

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 16, 2025

Vasquez pitched 3.2 innings in Friday's game against the Dodgers, relieving opener Wandy Peralta in the second inning after leaving the bullpen with the entire Padres pitching rotation. He allowed two runs and struck out four in the contest.

The Padres called up the right-hander on Thursday after starter Michael King, who was supposed to start Friday's game, landed on the injury list. King is making his second stint on the IL this season, as he previously missed nearly three months with a nerve issue.

Vasquez was a regular in the Padres rotation until the trade deadline pushed the right-hander out. Nevertheless, his teammates in the rotation showed him support.

“He’s been out there starting games the whole year, so just out there supporting him,”Padres starter Nick Pivetta said to the San Diego Union-Tribune. “We love Randy. He’s our guy.”

"That's how tight our rotation is in general," added King.

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Through 22 starts with the Padres this season, Vasquez had a 3.96 ERA and has struck out 59 batters through 111.1 innings. Marinaccio has also spent time at the MLB level this season, notching two scoreless outings spanning 2.2 innings with two strikeouts.

He was sent to Triple-A on Aug. 1, just a day after the Friars' massive trade deadline overhaul. Since finding himself in El Paso, Marinaccio has pitched three times, striking out five batters in three innings and recording a save in his most recent outing.

The Padres ultimately lost their opening game against the Dodgers on Friday, and with it sole possession of first place in the NL West. The Padres and Dodgers are level at the top of the division after Friday, making Saturday's matchup all the more important.

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Dylan Cease will take the mound for the Padres, and will face the Dodgers for a third time this season. In his two previous starts, he has pitched 12 innings and has a win and 20 strikeouts under his belt. The Padres will face off against Cy Young winner and former Padre Blake Snell, who returned to the Dodgers' rotation in early August. First pitch comes at 6:10 p.m. PT.

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