But Sunday’s pitching performance by starter Stephen Kolek may have removed any obstacle placed by the struggles from the back end of the rotation. One start does not clear a hurdle, but it is worth keeping an eye on Kolek.

The Padres have jostled their rotation again. Stephen Kolek will make his first major league start here Sunday against the Pirates, meaning the Padres are going with their top three starters against the Yankees next week.