One day before he was set to pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a battle for first place in the National League West, one of the San Diego Padres' best starters was placed on the 15-day injured list.

Michael King, who's 4-2 with a 2.81 ERA in his second season in San Diego, was sidelined with left knee inflammation. Right-hander Randy Vasquez was recalled from Triple-A El Paso and figures to take King's spot in the starting rotation.

Former Dodgers All-Star Announces Immediate Retirement From Baseball

Vasquez, 26, is 3-5 with a 3.93 ERA in 22 starts this season. He's faced the Dodgers twice in his career — both starts coming earlier this season — and allowed four runs across 9.2 innings in a pair of no-decisions.

The Padres surrendered sole possession of first place in the Nation

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