In his first start of the season- Six innings. Eight Ks. Zero runs allowed. Have yourself a day, Randy Vasquez.

The 27-year-oldright-handerr may have solidified himself as the Padres’ newest ace. On Saturday, the “Friar Faithful” may have seen the start of a breakout season. Randy Vasquez got the nod to start the final game of a three-game series against Detroit. With the Padres down two games to nothing, pitching needed to be controlled and precise.

Before his first start of the 2026 season, Randy Vasquez’s 2025 season was decent to say the least.

He posted a 3.84 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 133 innings; the Dominican-born pitcher had shown flashes as a mid-rotation starter. The only concern: a career high 52 walks allowed in 2025, while in the previous two seasons Randy Vasquez allowed fewer than 30 walks. He needed to improve his command. 

In the first two games of the season, the Detroit Tigers found success against the Padres when it came to getting their batters on base.

Whether it was by walks or by patient hitting, Detroit would outscore San Diego 13-4 in the series. The “Motor City Kitties” would also have the advantage when it came to runners in scoring position.

So, when game three came around, the Padres had to be clean with their pitching strategy.

As soon as the first pitch came and went, it was evident that the former Yankees pitcher was locked in and ready to roll.

Randy Vasquez proved once again he is very much for real:

6 IP
2 H
3 BB
8 K’s
13 Whiffs

Vasquez has only had two career starts, both in the minors that went 6 IP w/max 2 hits:

– 2021 for NYY Single-A. (5 K)
– 2024 for SDP Triple-A. (8 K)

He’s still just 27. pic.twitter.com/MPMUympqvp

— LouisAnalysis (@LouisAnalysis) March 29, 2026

Vasquez got ahead in the count early, coming back from a favorable hitter’s count in certain situations, getting the swing and misses needed. Randy Vasquez was on it. All the Padres needed was their starter to go at least four or five innings. Instead, their starter gave them six shutout innings.

Randy Vasquez would finish the night after six innings, throwing 91 total pitches with 59 of them landing for strikes. He collected eight strikeouts in the process. Kyle Hart would eventually come in relief in the seventh inning and add two strikeouts to the total. Mason Miller came in for his first save situation and also collected two strikeouts, bringing the total strikeout count to 13 in the game.

After Saturday, although it’s still early in the season, Randy Vasquez’s outing showed many in San Diego that the rotation’s depth is solid.

Joe Musgrove is still recovering from Tommy John surgery. All eyes will look to him and others to keep the Padres competitive going forward.

In the meantime, Randy Vasquez continues to establish himself in the league.

Jordan Irizarry

Jordan Irizarry is a fan of the game.
Whether it’s football, hockey or “America’s past time”, he’s always locked into watching his favorite team. After getting a small taste in journalism by covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he’s now looking to “dip his foot” in the baseball world by covering the San Diego Padres. Whether it’s stats and facts or just pure fandom, Jordan is looking to bring his love of the game to you.