Brewers at Padres
One day after being shut out for just the third time this season, the Milwaukee Brewers aim for a return to form when they continue their three-game series against the host San Diego Padres on Tuesday. Milwaukee averaged 5.8 runs over its previous 21 contests before managing four hits in Monday’s 2-0 loss.
Manny Machado blasted a solo homer and Joey Lucchesi tossed seven strong innings in the series opener for San Diego, which snapped a six-game home losing streak to the Brewers. Machado is trending upward following a slow start, going 13-for-26 with three doubles, four home runs and seven RBIs during his six-game hitting streak. Milwaukee has lost four of its last six games despite the play of reigning National League MVP Christian Yelich, who is batting .456 with five homers during his season-high 14-game hitting streak. The Brewers’ deep lineup also features a pair of red-hot hitters in catcher Yasmani Grandal (.305 over his last 28 games) and infielder Mike Moustakas, who is batting .364 with five homers during his 11-game hitting streak.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Brandon Woodruff (8-1, 3.87 ERA) vs. Padres LH Logan Allen (NR)
Woodruff turned in another strong outing last Wednesday but received a no-decision after holding Houston to three runs over seven innings. The 26-year-old native of Mississippi has allowed three or fewer runs in eight of his last nine starts. Woodruff, who is making his first career start versus San Diego, has gone 6-0 in eight starts at home this season compared to 2-1 in six outings away from Miller Park.
Allen is being promoted from Triple-A El Paso to start in place of fellow rookie Nick Margevicius, who allowed nine runs in 1 1/3 innings on Sunday against Colorado. The 22-year-old Allen owns a 5.15 ERA with 63 strikeouts and 22 walks in 13 starts across 57 2/3 innings for the Chihuahuas this season. Boston’s eighth-round pick in the 2015 draft, Allen was dealt to San Diego several months later as part of the Craig Kimbrel trade.
WALK-OFFS
1. Machado has appealed his one-game suspension for arguing with an umpire during Sunday’s contest in Colorado.
2. Milwaukee optioned Jacob Barnes to Triple-A San Antonio to make room for fellow RHP Jhoulys Chacin, who started Monday’s series opener and allowed two runs in 4 2/3 innings.
3. San Diego optioned Austin Allen to El Paso and recalled fellow C Francisco Mejia from the Chihuahuas.