Diamondbacks at Padres
Two teams battling for position in the National League West meet Tuesday when the San Diego Padres continue their three-game game series against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks. San Diego snapped a three-game losing streak and pulled within a game of second-place Arizona with Monday’s 2-1 victory behind six strong innings from rookie Chris Paddack.
Franmil Reyes blasted his 15th home run and Kirby Yates recorded his 18th save as San Diego improved to 24-24 after entering Tuesday’s contest with a losing record for the first time this season. Yates has converted each of his 18 save opportunities and recorded 20 strikeouts over his last eight appearances covering eight innings. Arizona has lost three in a row and scored a total of three runs with eight hits in its last two games. The middle of the Diamondbacks’ order - Eduardo Escobar, David Peralta, Christian Walker and Blake Swihart – finished a combined 0-for-15 with eight strikeouts in Monday’s loss.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, FS San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (6-1, 2.78 ERA) vs. Padres LH Matt Strahm (1-3, 3.07)
Greinke exited last Wednesday’s start against Pittsburgh early after experiencing abdominal tightness but avoided a trip to the injured list after throwing a successful bullpen session over the weekend. The five-time All-Star is 6-0 with a 1.92 ERA in his last nine starts covering 61 innings. Wil Myers is 5-for-40 with 14 strikeouts against Greinke, who owns a stellar 13-2 record and 2.30 ERA in 24 career starts versus San Diego – including 2-0 with a 3.46 mark in two outings this season.
Strahm took the loss last Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers after allowing two runs on seven hits in five innings. The 27-year-old native of North Dakota owns a 4.24 ERA in three home starts compared to a 2.33 mark in five outings away from Petco Park. Strahm faced the Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 13 and received a no-decision after tossing five scoreless innings with four strikeouts and no walks.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arizona OF Adam Jones, who grew up and lives in San Diego, is expected to be back in the starting lineup after being given a day off Monday.
2. San Diego INF Manny Machado has a 10-game hitting streak against Arizona.
3. Diamondbacks INF Wilmer Flores missed Monday’s contest with a right foot contusion and is listed as day-to-day.