San Diego Padres pitcher Stephen Kolek turned in three scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. Kolek came on in relief in the third inning and recorded a strikeout, while not allowing a hit or a walk in his second Cactus League outing.
Kolek’s only other appearance of the spring came as a starter against the Los Angeles Angels. In that outing, Kolek completed two scoreless innings, allowed two hits and recorded two strikeouts.
Padres Manager Mike Shildt said at the start of Spring Training that Kolek would be stretched out in an effort to transition from a reliever to a starter. Through two appearances, Kolek is making his case to follow in the footsteps of converted relievers like Michael King and former Padres Seth Lugo and Nick Martinez.
Kolek joined San Diego after being selected by the team in the major league stage of the 2023 Rule 5 draft. With the selection, Kolek was added to San Diego’s 40-man roster and had to remain at the major league level or be returned to the Seattle Mariners. Kolek impressed Shildt and the rest of Padres decision makers throughout 2024 and appeared in 42 games and had a record of 3-0 with a 5.21 ERA before an injury ended his season.
Kolek has placed himself in the conversation for the final spot in the San Diego starting rotation. He is competing with the likes of Randy Vasquez, Matt Waldron and Jhony Brito, among others, for the role. The top four spots are occupied by Yu Darvish, Dylan Cease, King and the newly acquired Nick Pivetta.
The decision of who will occupy the final rotation spot will be something to watch as the Padres continue Spring Training, especially if Kolek can stay healthy and continue his current level of production.