The San Diego Padres lost starting pitcher Casey Mize to injury. The right-hander left his start against the Minnesota Twins in the third inning.
The Padres later provided an update on Mize’s status, who left the game with a right ankle sprain. He suffered the injury walking down the dugout steps after the second inning.
Mize finished the game with four runs allowed on four hits, a walk, and no strikeouts. Three of those four hits were solo home runs. Since being traded to the Padres, he’s 1-1 with a 7.00 ERA in four starts.
Padres’ Casey Mize Exits Twins Start with Ankle Injury
GettyPadres starter Casey Mize speaks to manager Craig Stammen and head trainer Mike Rogow before getting pulled from his start against the Twins. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Casey Mize’s velocity had already been down for the game, averaging 92.5 and 92.1 MPH in the first two innings. For the entire game, he averaged a season-low 91.8 MPH. His last start with the Detroit Tigers on July 25 had been the previous low, clocking in at 91.9 MPH.
It was evident in the third inning that Mize was struggling with the ankle. His four-seam fastball velocity dipped to 90.4 MPH in the third inning, leading to trainers coming out to the mound.
Perhaps equally as concerning were the individual velocity readings themselves. Mize’s first three fastballs clocked in under 90 MPH. His velocity bounced back to over 91 MPH when facing Ryan Jeffers, but he exited the game after the Twins catcher doubled.
The concern with Mize may not just be limited to his right ankle. There is a concerning velocity pattern for the season. In three of his last five starts, his velocity has hit below his season-average of 93.5 MPH. The overarching trend is that the 30-year-old has lost a tick off his fastball in each of the past two seasons.
What the Casey Mize News Means for the Padres?
The Padres are barely clinging to the National League’s final Wild Card spot. The Arizona Diamondbacks are right up their back, lurking just a game behind their National League West rival.
With a tight postseason race, the Padres can ill afford more injuries to their rotation. They’re already down three starters for the season between Joe Musgrove, Lucas Giolito, and Nick Pivetta. That’s why president of baseball operations A.J. Preller swung two deals at the deadline for Casey Mize and Robbie Ray.
Mize’s rotation spot next comes up on August 28, when the Padres take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. But due to the off day the previous day, they could move that spot as far back as September 1 if necessary.
That gives the Padres enough flexibility to try to slot a potential replacement in. Left-hander JP Sears makes the most sense. Sears is eligible for a recall after spending the 15 requisite days on his current optional assignment.
The left-hander lasted just 1.2 innings in his start with Triple-A El Paso, but he lines up for Mize’s rotation spot. The Padres could deploy a nine-man bullpen between August 23 and when that rotation spot comes up in Tampa Bay.
Padres manager Craig Stammen should provide an update on whether Mize’s ankle injury will necessitate a stint on the injured list.
Padres Announce Concerning Casey Mize Injury Update During Twins Game