The San Diego Tribune’s Kevin Acee reports that the Padres are planning to start Lucas Giolito this weekend against the Mariners.

This isn’t a huge surprise since Giolito is required to be on an MLB roster by May 17th, which would be this Sunday, the final game of the series against the Mariners. The veteran right-hander was much better in his final rehab start, throwing six shutout innings for Double-A San Antonio while allowing three hits and striking out three. The 31-year-old was solid for the Red Sox last season, but lacks the strikeout upside he possessed in his early MLB seasons. He remains a deep-league option and one we’d probably pick up and keep on our bench for this weekend.