Dodgers at Padres
Walker Buehler dominated San Diego earlier this month and looks to have similar results when the Los Angeles Dodgers visit the Padres on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Buehler registered 15 strikeouts - one shy of his career best - while allowing one run and five hits in a complete-game victory over San Diego at home on Aug. 3.
Buehler, who combined with three relievers on a no-hitter in Monterrey, Mexico last season, will be making his first career start at Petco Park. He also will be looking to help the Dodgers get even in the series after they went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position. The Padres have won two straight after a four-game slide and beat the Dodgers in the opener despite having just four hits. San Diego's Eric Hosmer, who is just 4-of-25 over the past seven games despite contributing an RBI single on Monday, is hitless in 10 career at-bats versus Buehler.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Walker Buehler (10-3, 3.16 ERA) vs. Padres RH Cal Quantrill (6-4, 3.32)
Buehler is winless in his last three starts despite not allowing a run in two of them, including a seven-inning stint against the Toronto Blue Jays last Wednesday. The 25-year-old has had mixed results on the road, going 5-3 with a 4.37 ERA compared to 5-0 with a 2.13 mark at Dodger Stadium. Buehler is 3-0 with and 0.82 ERA and 31 strikeouts over 22 innings in three career starts against the Padres.
Quantril lost to Cincinnati in his last outing after winning six of his previous seven decisions. The 24-year-old matched his career high of nine strikeouts in six innings against the Reds while allowing three runs and five hits without issuing a walk. Quantrill lost to the Dodgers when matched against Buehler earlier this month, allowing four runs - two earned - and six hits over five frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers 3B Justin Turner went 3-for-5 in the opener and slugged his eighth homer of the month.
2. San Diego RHP Kirby Yates increased his major league-leading save count to 38 on Monday when he converted his 41st opportunity.
3. Los Angeles' Russell Martin is expected to come off the bereavement list on Tuesday, which would lead to fellow C Austin Barnes being sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City and then returning to the Dodgers on Sunday when rosters expand.