What happened
The San Diego Padres have selected Walker Buehler's minor-league contract, adding the veteran right-hander to their Opening Day roster per reporter Kevin Acee. Buehler, who signed with San Diego in February after two Tommy John surgeries, will earn $1.5 million and is expected to join Germán Márquez in the season-opening rotation. He posted solid spring training numbers: 2-0 in 3 starts with 11.2 IP, 13 K and 4 ER.
Why it matters
The move addresses rotation gaps from injuries to Joe Musgrove and Griffin Canning, providing depth with Buehler's postseason experience from the Dodgers. For bettors, a healthier rotation could tighten Padres futures odds and improve over/under props in early games. Buehler's pitch mix evolution post-surgery adds intrigue to his impact on NL West contention.
The data edge
**Spring Training Stats:** - G: 3 | W-L: 2-0 | IP: 11.2 | ER: 4 (ERA: 3.10) | K: 13 | BB: 4 **Projected Opening Rotation:** - Nick Pivetta - Michael King - Randy Vásquez - Germán Márquez - Walker Buehler **Injury Context:** Joe Musgrove (recovery setback), Griffin Canning (Achilles). No betting line movements reported.
What to watch
Watch for Buehler's rotation spot and innings limit in his first outings given injury history. Official lineup announcements expected soon before Opening Day.
