The day after the Padres took over sole possession of 1st place in the National League West, and the day before they start a three game series at Dodger Stadium, the Friars lost one of their best starting pitchers to injury.

Michael King is headed to the 15-day Injured List with left knee inflammation. King, the team's Opening Day starter, missed three months dealing with a thoracic nerve issue and made his return to the rotation last Sunday against the Red Sox. The injury is in his landing leg, which is not uncommon for pitchers. The team is hopeful he'll be able to pitch again as soon as he's eligible.

King's presence was supposed to buoy San Diego's push for an NL West division title, especially since he was scheduled to be on the mound Friday in Los Angeles against future Hall of Fam

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