Nationals at Padres
Rookie star Fernando Tatis Jr. is back and ready to provide a much-needed spark for the San Diego Padres, who struggled while their dynamic shortstop recovered from a strained left hamstring. After reaching base three times in his triumphant return, Tatis looks to build on the performance Friday when the Padres continue their four-game series against the visiting Washington Nationals.
The Padres dropped to third place in the National League West after going 15-19 without Tatis and fell behind 4-0 in the first inning on Thursday before posting an impressive 5-4 victory. Hunter Renfroe blasted a two-run homer and closer Kirby Yates recorded his 23rd save for the Padres, who moved to 3-4 on their 10-game homestand. Washington’s four-game winning streak came to an end despite Brian Dozier’s two-run homer and another big hit from Howie Kendrick, who is batting .344 with four homers and 16 RBIs over his last 19 games after driving in two runs Thursday. Third baseman Anthony Rendon has reached base safely in 22 straight games, hitting .346 with five home runs and 21 RBIs over that stretch.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), FS San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Erick Fedde (1-0, 2.55 ERA) vs. Padres LH Nick Margevicius (2-6, 5.40)
Fedde moved into the starting rotation last month following injuries to Anibal Sanchez and Jeremy Hellickson and has allowed a total of four runs over his three starts. The 26-year-old native of Las Vegas received a no-decision after giving up two runs on six hits over four innings against Cincinnati last Saturday. Fedde tossed four innings of two-hit, shutout relief against San Diego on April 28 at Nationals Park.
Margevicius was recalled from Double-A Amarillo to start last Saturday’s contest against Miami but gave up five runs (four earned) over three-plus frames in the 9-3 loss. The 22-year-old rookie has bounced between the minors and San Diego this season, posting a 34-to-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 10 big-league starts. Margevicius is 1-4 with a 7.09 ERA in six home starts this season compared to 1-2 with a 3.32 mark in four outings away from Petco Park.
WALK-OFFS
1. Yates has converted each of his 23 save opportunities and has not allowed a run over his last 10 innings.
2. Washington OF Juan Soto is batting .414 with four homers and 14 RBIs over his last 19 games.
3. San Diego optioned 3B Ty France to Triple-A El Paso.