The Padres, fresh off an exhilarating sweep to begin their home stand, have a chance to head into the All-Star break with some wind in their sails as the New York Mets come to town.
Both teams have a lot to prove post-break as they have underperformed. Each sits in fourth place in their respective divisions, with nearly identical records, the Padres at five games under .500 and the Mets, six.
The Padres, in need of a boost after a 1-5 road trip, received it – and how – from the Los Angeles Angels, as they not only won three straight, but kept slugging/pitching sensation Shohei Ohtani in check. He went hitless for the series and gave up five runs in his Tuesday start.
It’s a shot in the arm to be sure, but the team isn’t looking for good spot play, but a consistent, winning path.
“We’re in a place where we have to at this point,” manager Bob Melvin said.
Meanwhile, the Padres designated Nelson Cruz for assignment this week. The veteran slugger hit .245 for San Diego, with five home runs and 23 RBIs. Melvin told MLB.com the move was due to a need for versatility. Cruz has been confined to serving as a DH.
And just as the team is getting another pitcher back – Yu Darvish, returning from more than a week off due to illness – they lose another, Michael Wacha, to the IL, with an inflamed right shoulder. He is expected back shortly after the break.
The Friars will send Darvish to the mound Friday, followed by Blake Snell. Sunday is TBD.
