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Padres pitcher Casey Mize suffered a right ankle sprain during San Diego’s 7-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night, August 23, 2026. The injury forced Mize to leave his fourth start with the club after only 2 2/3 innings, creating fresh uncertainty around the team’s pitching rotation.
Mize slipped while walking down the dugout steps between the second and third innings. He said his spike appeared to catch the edge of a step, causing him to roll his ankle on the bottom stair. The right-hander received treatment and had the ankle taped before attempting to continue.
Casey Mize’s Ankle Injury Raises Padres Concerns
Although Mize wanted to remain in the game, his condition quickly became more concerning. He appeared to favor the injured foot while warming up for the third inning. Manager Craig Stammen and head athletic trainer Mark Rogow checked on him before allowing him to return to the mound.
Mize retired two batters in the inning, but his effectiveness had clearly declined. After Ryan Jeffers hit a hard double, Stammen and Rogow returned to the mound. Mize then walked off with Rogow, ending an abbreviated outing.
“The velocity was down and the movement on his pitches wasn’t quite the same,” Stammen said, explaining the decision. “They were taking some good swings off him. So I just felt like it wasn’t right for him to have to try to gut it out.”
Critical Velocity Drop Complicated the Decision
Mize’s final three fastballs to Jeffers registered at 91 mph, more than two miles per hour below his season average. His fastball, slider, sinker and slurve were all at least 1.5 mph slower than usual, while his splitter was nearly 1 mph below its typical speed.
The sudden loss of velocity was especially troubling because it came immediately after the ankle injury. Rather than risk further damage or allow Mize to compensate mechanically, the Padres chose to remove him before the problem became more serious.
Before departing, Mize allowed four hits and four runs, walked one batter and struck out three. He was replaced by left-hander Kyle Hart, who helped San Diego manage the pitching workload after the early exit.
Explosive Twins Start Put Mize Under Pressure
The ankle injury was not the only challenge Mize faced. The Twins hit three home runs against him within the first nine batters of the game, putting San Diego in an early hole.
- Luke Keaschall opened the game with a home run projected by Statcast to travel 396 feet into the left-field bleachers.
- Brooks Lee followed with a second-inning homer to left field.
- Kaelen Culpepper launched the next pitch into the second deck, with the drive projected at 400 feet.
Despite the difficult start, the Padres rallied late to secure a 7-5 comeback win. The victory softened the immediate impact of Mize’s struggles, but the team will now wait for additional updates before determining whether he can take his next scheduled turn.
Hopeful Update Keeps Next Start Possible
Imaging on Mize’s ankle was negative, and the pitcher was listed as day-to-day after the game. He had some swelling and was limping slightly in the clubhouse, but there was no reported fracture or major structural damage.
“I’m hoping it’s day-to-day,” Mize said. “We just got done doing some treatment. Do a little bit more, see how tomorrow goes. Hoping that I’m fine and can make my next start and can get back out there.”
The Padres acquired Mize at the Trade Deadline along with infielder Gage Workman. In exchange, San Diego sent prospects Kash Mayfield and Jackson Wolf. The move was designed to strengthen the club’s rotation for the stretch run, making Mize’s availability particularly important.
However, Mize has already spent time on the injured list twice this season because of a right adductor strain. The ankle issue adds another medical concern at a time when the Padres are attempting to maintain momentum and compete through the closing weeks of the regular season.
What the Padres Must Watch Next
San Diego will likely monitor Mize’s swelling, mobility and throwing mechanics over the next several days. A light throwing session or additional testing could help determine whether he is ready to pitch or needs a short recovery period.
The most important question is whether Mize can regain his normal velocity without altering his delivery. If he continues to favor the ankle, the Padres may decide that a cautious absence is preferable to risking a longer-term injury.
For now, the news remains cautiously positive. Negative imaging gives Mize a chance to return quickly, but the club will not have a clear answer until he responds to treatment and baseball activity. The Padres’ upcoming rotation plans could depend on how the ankle looks when Mize reports for his next evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Casey Mize suffer?
Casey Mize suffered a right ankle sprain after slipping on the dugout steps during San Diego’s game against Minnesota.
How long did Mize pitch before leaving?
Mize completed 2 2/3 innings before leaving the game with a trainer. He allowed four hits and four runs, issued one walk and struck out three.
Will Casey Mize make his next start?
Mize hopes to make his next scheduled start, but he is currently considered day-to-day. The Padres will make a decision based on his recovery, swelling and throwing ability.
Were Mize’s tests positive for a serious injury?
No. Imaging was negative, although Mize had swelling and was limping slightly after the game.
Why was Mize removed from the game?
His velocity dropped noticeably after the injury, and his pitches were not moving normally. Manager Craig Stammen decided it was unsafe for him to continue.
