New York Yankees vs San Diego Padres Picks and Predictions May 6th 2025

Michael King Faces Yankees for First Time Since Trade

It’s a full-circle moment for Michael King as he takes the mound at Yankee Stadium — but this time, not in pinstripes. After being a centerpiece in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade, King is returning to the Bronx wearing a San Diego Padres uniform.

The Padres, red-hot and riding a six-game winning streak, are looking to keep their momentum alive against a Yankees team that’s searching for answers during a slump. This game is about more than just numbers. It’s about emotion, legacy, and proving who won the deal.

King Returns to New York as a Starter

Michael King knows the Yankees lineup well — maybe too well. After 115 appearances with New York between 2019 and 2023, he transitioned from reliever to starter late last season. Now, he’s thriving in San Diego’s rotation.

His mindset ahead of the reunion?

“I can’t let the hype get to me because I still got a job to do,” King said Monday. “It’s a phenomenal lineup over there, so I got to channel that adrenaline and make sure I can have some success.”

Trade Breakdown: Juan Soto for Five Key Pieces

The Yankees didn’t want to let King go — and for good reason. But acquiring Juan Soto wasn’t going to be cheap. In total, five players were sent to the Padres, including King and Trent Grisham.

So far, it looks like both teams got what they needed. King is shining in the NL West, and Soto has delivered big moments in the Bronx. Still, King’s performance Tuesday could tilt the perception.

For more on trades and expert impact breakdowns, visit the MLB Picks Page.

Padres Rolling Into the Bronx with Momentum

San Diego has found its groove. Monday’s 4-3 comeback win in the Bronx was their sixth straight victory, and they’re now 4-0 on a season-long nine-game road trip.

Clutch Hitting Saves the Day

Down late, the Padres rallied with Manny Machado’s two-run double and Xander Bogaerts’ go-ahead two-run single. It was the kind of late-inning fight that good teams pull off.

Now with Jackson Merrill returning from injury (hamstring), this Padres lineup is even deeper. Merrill played two rehab games over the weekend in Double-A and is expected to slot back in right away.

Track game-by-game player trends on the MLB Team Page.

Michael King’s 2024 Dominance

King enters this start with a 4-1 record and a 2.09 ERA. He’s held hitters to a .191 average and hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any start. He’s also coming off a win against the Giants where he gave up just one run in 5 2/3 innings.

Over his last full season, he was 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 173 2/3 innings. He’s not just a former reliever — he’s now a bonafide top-of-the-rotation arm.

Looking to bet on pitching props for King tonight? Dive into the MLB Odds Page.

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Yankees Slumping, Searching for Spark

The Yankees are in a funk. They’ve dropped five of their last seven and are trying to avoid a season-high fourth straight loss. Worse, nine of their recent losses have been by just two runs or fewer.

Can Clarke Schmidt Bounce Back?

Clarke Schmidt (0-1, 5.52 ERA) will take the mound Tuesday. This will be just his fourth start after returning from a shoulder injury. He was scratched from his previous outing due to side soreness but is now good to go.

In his last outing, he allowed just one run over five innings, striking out six. However, he struggled in his only career start against the Padres last year, giving up two runs in five innings and taking the loss.

Yanks’ Bats Need to Wake Up

New York managed just six hits Monday. Trent Grisham, one of the pieces in the Soto deal, did go deep with a two-run homer, but the lineup as a whole is underperforming.

They’ve had elite starting pitching — Carlos Rodon threw 6 2/3 scoreless innings Monday — but the run support hasn’t been there.

For the latest betting predictions on Yankees matchups, check the Expert Betting Guide.

Key Matchups & Game Insights

This game has layers: emotional returns, playoff implications, and a pair of young aces. Here’s what to watch for.

Padres’ Game Plan

• Get King early support to reduce pressure
• Be aggressive on the bases with Merrill back in the mix
• Continue the trend of clutch late-inning hitting

Yankees’ Priorities

• Schmidt must go deep into the game to save the bullpen
• The top of the order needs to get on base early
• Avoid another one-run collapse

San Diego hasn’t won seven straight yet this year — tonight could be their longest win streak of the season. The Yankees? They’re trying to avoid free-falling in a competitive AL East.

FAQs

Why is Michael King’s return to New York significant?
He spent five seasons with the Yankees and was a major part of the Juan Soto trade. Now, he returns as a top starter for the Padres.

What is Michael King’s record with the Padres?
So far in 2024, he’s 4-1 with a 2.09 ERA. He’s also held batters to a .191 average and hasn’t allowed more than three runs in a start.

Who’s pitching for the Yankees tonight?
Clarke Schmidt (0-1, 5.52 ERA) gets the nod. He’s coming off a one-run outing but has dealt with injury issues this year.

How has San Diego performed on this road trip?
They’re 4-0 on a nine-game road trip and have won six in a row overall, with comeback wins highlighting their resilience.

Who’s returning to the Padres lineup?
Outfielder Jackson Merrill is back from a hamstring injury and expected to be active after a short rehab stint.

Where can I get expert picks for this game?
Find detailed betting analysis on the MLB Picks Page.