On a cool evening at Oracle Park, San Diego Padres Ryan Bergert threw five impressive innings in his first major league start. The only mistake was leaving a pitch up in the strike zone to San Francisco Giants leadoff hitter Heliot Ramos in the third inning.

He proceeded to place it over the center field fence for his 11th home run of the season. Nevertheless, Bergert made a strong case to become a starting pitching option as the Padres look to deepen their rotation.

Who is Ryan Bergert?

Baseball is a crazy game, as you never know when your opportunity will occur. Bergert went to spring training as one of the top 25 prospects in the Padres organization. Although he was far down the pitching depth chart, Bergert was called up earlier this season.

The right-hander made his major league debut in late April and threw four shutout innings. It opened some eyes within the organization, as that is half the battle for a young pitcher.

In nine minor-league starts, the 25-year-old pitched to a 3.75 ERA. Bergert offers a three-pitch repertoire (fastball, slider, and changeup) that will allow him to go through an opposing lineup at least twice during an outing.

The next time Bergert found himself on a major league mound, he was starting against the Giants. He gave up two runs on six hits, walked two batters, and struck out two. Outings of this nature should put his name into consideration for the fifth starter’s role or at least move Bergert closer to staying in the majors for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Injuries to Darvish and King forced Padres to look for SP options

The Padres have suffered injuries to their rotation this season. Yu Darvish has been out with elbow inflammation all season. Michael King is on the injury list with a pinched nerve in his throwing shoulder.

The front office confirmed neither pitcher had structural damage but would not offer a return date for Darvish and King. The hope is for them to begin throwing bullpen sessions before a couple of rehab starts, then return to the roster. But both starters will not be rushed through the process.

Bergert has positioned himself perfectly to get another start. The Friars are in the middle of playing 13 consecutive games. Thus, the schedule does not allow them to skip the fifth spot in the rotation.

At least for the time being, it is his job to lose.