MacKenzie Gore was understandably hyped up going against the team he was drafted by and for whom he made his MLB debut, before they traded him to the Nationals as one of five prospects who came to Washington in return for Juan Soto and Josh Bell last August 2nd.
Gore, 24, ended up throwing 103 pitches in 4 2⁄3 innings pitched against the Padres.
He gave up seven hits, four walks, and three runs in a 7-4 loss to San Diego in which the starter received no decision.
“He’s throwing a lot of pitches to get outs,” manager Davey Martinez said when asked about lifting the lefty when he did.