Padres place Michael King on 15-day IL, recall Randy Vásquez

The San Diego Padres on Friday placed right-hander Michael King on the 15-day injured list with left knee inflammation and recalled right-hander Randy Vásquez from Triple-A El Paso to fill the roster as they prepare for a pivotal series in Los Angeles. King, who had just returned to action after a lengthy layoff caused by a nerve issue in his right shoulder, will be sidelined again, forcing the Padres to adapt their rotation while maintaining one of the most trusted bullpens in the majors.

King’s latest setback comes after a shoulder problem that kept him out for more than two months this season. He returned to start against the Red Sox on Aug. 9, throwing two innings and surrendering two earned runs on four hits with two walks. He also logged an earlier 57-pitch rehab return in the minors, but the knee inflammation created a fresh obstacle. King expressed a positive, team-first outlook earlier in the week, noting that he believes this is one of the strongest rosters he has been a part of in his career.

Vásquez, who had been optioned to El Paso after the Padres acquired additional rotation depth, returns to San Diego to help stabilize the staff. He will be in line to make an...