The San Diego Padres announced Wednesday that left-hander Kyle Hart will start the series finale against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. The assignment gives San Diego another flexible option as it continues managing its pitching staff during a busy stretch leading up to Monday's trade deadline.
Hart has worked primarily out of the bullpen this season but brings starting experience, making him a natural fit for a spot start. He will face Rockies right-hander Gabriel Hughes as the Padres look to complete a two-game sweep.
The Padres enter the matchup with a 54-53 record, sitting third in the National League West and looking to gain ground in the playoff race.
Hart has appeared in 27 games this season, including two starts, posting a 5.21 ERA across 38.0 innings with 33 strikeouts, 12 walks and a 1.11 WHIP. His most recent outing came July 25 against the Miami Marlins, when he threw two scoreless innings while allowing two hits.
San Diego has relied on Hart's versatility throughout the year, using him in both relief and multi-inning roles. Wednesday's assignment continues that strategy while giving the rest of the rotation additional flexibility.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Padres are coming off an 8-7 walk-off victory over Colorado on Tuesday, a game highlighted by Fernando Tatis Jr.'s five-hit performance and Xander Bogaerts' game-ending sacrifice fly. The win extended San Diego's recent momentum heading into the finale.
With the trade deadline approaching, performances from pitchers like Hart could influence how aggressively the Padres pursue additional pitching help. For now, the club will turn to the veteran left-hander in hopes of securing another victory over a National League West rival.
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