SAN DIEGO -- The Padres have filled their rotation vacancy. Walker Lockett will get the ball Friday when San Diego opens a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Petco Park.
Team sources confirmed that the 24-year-old right-hander will make his Major League debut on Friday. It's unclear how long Lockett will remain in the rotation. That depends, in part, on how well he pitches.
Lockett fills the rotation spot left vacant by rookie Joey Lucchesi, who has missed two weeks with a right hip strain. To avoid Lucchesi's turn, the Padres had worked around an off day and a used bullpen day.