Michael King DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King blanked the Rockies on Sunday, pitching nine scoreless innings while striking out eight. It was the first complete game shutout of his career, and it looks like he is settling into 2025 as an ace-caliber pitcher after breaking out last season. Through four starts on the year, he has a 2.42 ERA with 24 strikeouts through 22 innings. He'll be looking to top the 200 strikeout mark for the second year in a row, and is currently lined up to make his next start against the Astros later this week.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King had an excellent rebound start in Tuesday's 7-0 win over the Guardians. King pitched five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and a walk with 11 strikeouts. He also hit a batter. The 29-year-old's performance was a relief for both the Padres and fantasy managers, as he lasted just 2 2/3 IP in his first start while allowing three runs and walking four. King emerged as a legitimate higher-end fantasy starter last season and has showcased high strikeout upside throughout his career. He has walked five batters in his first two starts, but that has never been an issue in his game. King will face the Athletics in Sacramento in his next start. He is worth starting in fantasy leagues, even though Sutter Health Park has done a poor job of keeping the ball in the park early on.

San Diego Padres right-hander Michael King will start on Opening Day on Thursday, March 27, against the visiting Atlanta Braves, according to manager Mike Shildt. King will get the nod over right-hander Dylan Cease to kick things off in 2025 after he finished the 2024 campaign in downright nasty form for the Friars. In his first year as a full-time starter in the big leagues in San Diego in 2024 after being involved in the blockbuster trade that sent outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Yankees, the 29-year-old went 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA (3.33 FIP), a 1.19 WHIP, a career-high 201 strikeouts and 63 walks in 173 2/3 innings over 31 regular-season outings (30 starts). King excelled after basically swapping his sweeper for a harder slider and finished as the No. 16 fantasy starting pitcher. It will be interesting to see how his body handles another full workload in 2025, but you should treat him as a strong No. 2 starter.