Paddack expects to throw four innings during his next simulated game and is aiming to be at six innings by Opening Day, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Padres ace indicated that he has been maintaining what he'd built up during spring training, making a progression to six frames by the start of the season feasible. Though San Diego has yet to announce its Opening Day starter, Paddack appears to be the frontrunner considering his spectacular 2019 rookie campaign.

Paddack did not allow a run in three innings of work in a Cactus League matchup against the White Sox on Monday. He gave up two hits and one walk while striking out one.

EDGE Analysis

Paddack not only held the White Sox scoreless in the start, he did so while working on his worst pitch. Per Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune, Paddack threw curveballs on nine of 42 pitches as part of a committed effort to improve his third offering. Should he find success with the pitch this season, the 24-year-old could further distinguish himself among the game's best young hurlers.

Paddack is focusing on improving his curveball in spring training, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Cassavell, Paddack's curve was tighter than usual in his initial spring-training start Wednesday. His velocity on the pitch also "ticked into the high 70s" after averaging 76.1 mph last season. A refined curveball could be the key to Paddack taking his game to the next level after an impressive rookie campaign. Per Statcast, opposing batters hit .267 against the pitch last season in contrast to the paltry .198 mark they registered against his other offerings.

Paddack pitched two scoreless innings in his first spring-training appearance Wednesday, allowing one hit and striking out three in a win over Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

Paddack was dominant in the first inning, throwing strikes on nine of 10 pitches and picking up two punchouts. He gave up a double to ex-teammate Franmil Reyes leading off the second inning but retired the following three batters in order. Per Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune, manager Jayce Tingler jokingly indicated that Paddack won't be throwing 250 innings this season -- no MLB pitcher has accomplished that feat since 2011 -- but he should have no restrictions as he looks to build upon an outstanding rookie campaign.

Paddack will not make another start this season, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. He gave up one run on one hit and one walk while striking out nine Tuesday against the Brewers but did not factor in the decision.

EDGE Analysis

He pitched well enough to get the win in his final start, but Lorenzo Cain hit a solo home run on the lone hit Paddack surrendered. The Padres played it safe with their young ace, limiting him to 84 pitches (54 strikes) even though he was in complete control through the fifth inning. The only thing standing in the way of Paddack being a true ace going forward is a reliable third pitch, but he is just 23 years old, so it's unfair to say he's a finished product. If he comes back next year with a quality breaking ball, Paddack could emerge as one of the best starters in the game.

Paddack will make a start against the Brewers next week, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Padres have entertained thoughts of shutting Paddack down for the season, as his 135.2 innings have blown away the 90 he pitched in the minors in 2018, but Paddack's desire to remain in the rotation and his success over the past three games likely inspired the organization to give him another turn. Although manager Andy Green did not specify which day Paddack will start, the Padres' six-man rotation has him in line to be on the mound Tuesday in Milwaukee. Over his last three starts, Paddack has thrown 18.1 innings, allowing only one run while striking out 23.

Paddack hopes to start next week in Milwaukee, but the Padres were noncommittal after Wednesday's victory over the Cubs, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The team has not revealed its end-of-season plan for Paddack, not even to Paddack himself. "We didn't really have a specific number [of innings]," Paddack said. "I'll get ready for Milwaukee until they tell me otherwise." Paddack hit a rough stretch there in August but has rebounded with a 0.49 ERA and 23:3 K:BB in his last three starts (18.1 innings). He's logged 135.2 innings so far this year after throwing 90 frames last season in his return from Tommy John surgery.

Paddack (9-7) gave up three hits and one walk while striking out seven through six scoreless innings to earn the win over the Cubs on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Paddack was electric, generating 20 swinging strikes as he cruised through six innings in the quality start. Paddack continues to limit baserunners, posting a 1.00 WHIP through 25 starts, which currently ranks him in the top five rookie pitchers since 1947. The 23-year-old has a 2-2 record with a 4.02 ERA and a 34:6 K:BB in his last six outings. Paddack is scheduled to make his next start Tuesday against the Brewers at Miller Park.

Paddack held the Diamondbacks scoreless with eight strikeouts across 5.1 innings but did not factor into the decision during Wednesday's loss. He allowed four hits and walked two.

EDGE Analysis

The 23-year-old rookie turned in a solid performance against the scorching hot Diamondbacks, blanking his opponent for the fourth time this year. All of Paddack's hits allowed were singles, two of which went back-to-back to leadoff the fifth inning. The right-hander left during a scoreless game and unfortunately didn't get much run support. Paddack owns a 3.54 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and team-leading 137:29 K:BB this season, which he'll look to defend during a Tuesday showdown with the Cubs.

Paddack (8-7) picked up the win against the Giants on Thursday, giving up just one earned run on five hits over seven strong innings, striking out eight with no walks in the Padres' 5-3 victory.

EDGE Analysis

The talented rookie had been struggling lately, giving up 19 earned runs over his last four starts coming into the contest, but he bounced back with a dominant effort against the Giants and picked up his first win of August. Even with the recent struggles, the 23-year-old is posting solid numbers this season, as he's now sporting a 3.69 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 129:27 K:BB across 124.1 innings.