· 2026-07-09

San Diego Padres have received positive pitching injury updates just before the All-Star Game, giving the club a boost as it sits 10th in the National League with a 46-46 record and a two‑game winning streak. The news centers on the health status of several arms that were previously listed as doubtful, potentially strengthening a rotation that has struggled with consistency.
The Padres announced that right‑hander Mitch Garver (not to be confused with the catcher) cleared his elbow soreness and is expected to start the upcoming series against Arizona. Mateo Gil also received clearance after a brief stint on the IL for a shoulder strain. Both players were listed as doubtful on the roster earlier this week, and their return adds depth to a rotation that has been shuffled frequently.
Closer Edwin Díaz remains on the IL with a forearm issue, but reliever Javy Guerra is now cleared to work out of the pen. The Padres also confirmed that left‑hander Mason Miller can resume his role as a middle‑relief option after a rib contusion. These updates give manager Bob Melvin more flexibility, especially with the bullpen having logged a league‑average ERA of 4.12 over the past month.
The Padres entered their most recent contest with a 10‑4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 9, 2026, and they will face the same opponent again that night. With Garver and Gil now available, San Diego can field a more conventional five‑man rotation, potentially limiting the need to rely on long‑relief outings that have cost them runs in recent outings.
The All-Star break looms, and teams often use the pause to assess health and make roster moves. Positive updates now allow the Padres to enter the break with a clearer picture of their pitching staff, which could influence trade deadline decisions. Moreover, a healthier rotation could help the club climb out of the lower half of the NL standings as the season heads into its final stretch.
Melvin is expected to announce the official starting lineup later tonight, likely slotting Garver into the rotation and giving Gil a spot in the bullpen if needed. The Padres will also monitor Díaz’s recovery closely, as his presence in the ninth inning could be a deciding factor in close games. Fans can look forward to a more competitive series against Arizona, with the potential for the Padres to extend their recent winning streak.
The positive injury news arrives at a pivotal moment, offering San Diego a chance to solidify its pitching core before the All-Star intermission and the flurry of roster activity that follows.