This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/padres as Padres' Michael King Breaks Silence on Surprise Injury. The San Diego Padres are locked in an intense divisional battle with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and if the Friars want to secure the division, starting pitcher Michael King will need to get healthy.

Michael King News Comes at Unfortunate Time for Padres originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The San Diego Padres have taken over first place in the NL West, clinging to a one-game lead entering a crucial divisional series against the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend, with the winner claiming control of the division.

King could have pitched Friday, but not without pain, "and it's just not a recipe for short- and longer-term success," Mike Shildt said.