Michael King acknowledged he rushed his comeback last month from a nerve issue that caused problems with his pitching shoulder, leading to knee inflammation that landed him on the injured list for another month.

The San Diego Padres right-hander didn't hurry his latest rehab, which he hopes will climax with a successful return to his team's chase for championships in October.

King will take the ball Tuesday night as San Diego tries to clinch a series win against the visiting Cincinnati Reds in the teams' three-game set. The Padres won the opener 4-3 in 10 innings on Monday and have three victories in a row.

King, sidelined in late May by his first ailment, made it back to oppose the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 9 but lasted only two-plus innings and 57 pitches before departing. King (4-2, 2.8

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