"Padres starter Randy Vásquez was taken to a Los Angeles-area hospital after fainting on his way to an X-ray following a game against the Dodgers, according to manager Craig Stammen. Vásquez, who had been struck in the ankle by a Mookie Betts comebacker, was released later that day with negative X-rays and clean test results. The Padres placed him on the 15-day injured list with a bruised right ankle, while catcher Freddy Fermin was added to the 10-day IL with a head bruise. The team’s struggling rotation faces further challenges as they attempt to recover from a six-game losing streak."
The Incident: A Fainting Spell Mid-Game
Randy Vásquez’s night turned chaotic in the first inning of the Padres’ 12-7 loss to the Dodgers. After being struck in the right ankle by a 98.8 mph groundball from Mookie Betts, the 27-year-old right-hander initially remained in the game, retiring the next batter before being replaced in the fourth inning. As he headed to the X-ray room, Vásquez collapsed, briefly losing consciousness. “Luckily, the trainer kind of caught him, and he just was unconscious for a little bit,” Stammen said, per The New York Times. The pitcher was taken to an emergency room for tests, though he was later released.
Team Response: IL Moves and Roster Adjustments
The Padres’ decision to place Vásquez on the 15-day injured list followed a series of setbacks for their pitching staff. The team’s rotation had the sixth-most runs allowed in MLB over the past month and a 5.27 ERA, with Vásquez contributing to the struggles. His 4.71 ERA and 16.3% strikeout rate—both bottom-10 marks among qualifying pitchers—highlighted the depth of the issue. Alongside Vásquez, catcher Freddy Fermin was added to the 10-day IL with a head bruise, though his injury appeared less severe. The team recalled reliever Alek Jacob from Triple-A El Paso and reinstated Luis Campusano from the IL, who had been out with a toe fracture.
Medical Details: Uncertain Causes, Clean Tests
Stammen offered multiple potential explanations for Vásquez’s fainting episode, citing “the pain in his ankle, the anxiety of the situation, or the stress of the situation.” The manager emphasized that the pitcher was “conscious” and “getting all his tests done” but noted that the exact cause remained unclear. MLB.com reported that Vásquez’s X-rays were negative, and his tests “came back pretty clean.” However, the team remained cautious, with Stammen stating, “We’ll know more hopefully tonight and tomorrow.” The incident added to the Padres’ medical woes, as Fermin had recently returned from a concussion and Vásquez had been battling ankle issues for weeks.
Broader Implications: A Fractured Rotation and Playoff Hopes
The Padres’ struggles extend beyond Vásquez. Their rotation, already weakened by injuries to Michael King, Walker Buehler, and JP Sears, now faces further strain. Buehler, who had a strong June, was “destroyed by the Cubs” in his most recent start, while King and Sears combined for a 7.06 ERA in 57 1/3 innings. With the team 3.5 games back in the Wild Card race, manager Stammen acknowledged the challenges: “It’s another challenge for a reeling pitching staff.” The Padres’ 6-0 losing streak has exacerbated these issues, leaving them at .500 and reliant on Germán Márquez to fill Vásquez’s spot.
What’s Next: Recovery, Roster Moves, and Season Outlook
Vásquez’s absence raises questions about the Padres’ ability to stabilize their rotation. With Márquez set to step into his role, the team will need immediate relief from other starters. Meanwhile, the injury list continues to grow, complicating their playoff aspirations. Fermin’s return from a head bruise remains uncertain, and Campusano’s hot start could be tested by the added workload. As the Padres face the Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks in their next series, the focus will be on whether their pitching staff can regroup. For now, the team’s medical updates and roster adjustments will define their path forward.
"Padres starter Randy Vásquez was taken to a Los Angeles-area hospital after fainting on his way to an X-ray following a game against the Dodgers, according to manager Craig Stammen. Vásquez, who had been struck in the ankle by a Mookie Betts comebacker, was released later that day with negative X-rays and clean test results. The Padres placed him on the 15-day injured list with a bruised right ankle, while catcher Freddy Fermin was added to the 10-day IL with a head bruise. The team’s struggling rotation faces further challenges as they attempt to recover from a six-game losing streak."
"Padres starter Randy Vásquez was taken to a Los Angeles-area hospital after fainting on his way to an X-ray following a game against the Dodgers, according to manager Craig Stammen. Vásquez, who had been struck in the ankle by a Mookie Betts comebacker, was released later that day with negative X-rays and clean test results. The Padres placed him on the 15-day injured list with a bruised right ankle, while catcher Freddy Fermin was added to the 10-day IL with a head bruise. The team’s struggling rotation faces further challenges as they attempt to recover from a six-game losing streak."
"Padres starter Randy Vásquez was taken to a Los Angeles-area hospital after fainting on his way to an X-ray following a game against the Dodgers, according to manager Craig Stammen. Vásquez, who had been struck in the ankle by a Mookie Betts comebacker, was released later that day with negative X-rays and clean test results. The Padres placed him on the The team’s injury concerns deepen as they prepare to face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a critical series amid ongoing roster uncertainty and a depleted bullpen.
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