A series win against the Dodgers in L.A. is just what we needed to start the second half of the 2012 season. Now our Padres come home for a four-game series against the Astros, followed by a three-game set against the Rockies.

To open up the homestand tonight, we will send Kip Wells to the mound for his fourth start of the season and second start against Houston. Wells started off his career as a Padres starter with a game against these Astros at Minute Maid Park, where he gave up two earned runs (and another three unearned) on seven hits in five innings and was tagged with a loss. He then pitched seven shutout innings, allowing only six hits and two walks to the Rockies at Coors Field, earning himself his first major league win since 2009. His last time out, before the All Star Break, he got another loss, giving up three earned runs on seven hits in six innings at home against the Reds. Tonight he will face a few new faces in the Astros lineup. Since his start against them in June, Houston has traded first baseman Carlos Lee to the Marlins, and sent shortstop Jed Lowrie and catcher Jason Castro to the DL. Wells hasn't been too bad in few starts as a Padre but has made a few mistakes that opponents have capitalized on. Hopefully he will be able to limit those mistakes tonight against his hometown team and help keep our win streak alive.

Our offense will face southpaw J.A. Happ, who was roughed up by the Brewers in his last start. He gave up seven earned runs in 6 1/3 innings, allowing three home runs (two in the first inning alone). He looks to improve on a 6-9 season record as well as a 1-2 career record in five starts against San Diego.

Carlos Quentin has been scratched from tonight's lineup. No solid details as of yet, but Andy Masur had this to say to say:

Quentin conspirators, not hearing anything about a deal.We hope to know the official information soon so stay tuned.

— Andy Masur (@PadsCast) July 17, 2012

I have it on good authority that Carlos Quentin is not being traded today.

— Andy Masur (@PadsCast) July 17, 2012

And here is the updated Quentin-less lineup:

New #Padres lineup: Denorfia 9 Amarista 7 Headley 5 Grandal 2 Guzman 3 Forsythe 4 Maybin 8 Cabrera 6 Wells 1

— Andy Masur (@PadsCast) July 17, 2012

The Astros are looking to snap a 13-game losing streak on the road. They are just 9-35 in away games this year, so hopefully Petco Park will continue to give them trouble and our Padres can take advantage.

GO FRIARS!! KIP THE FAITH!!