The Padres will miss seeing Stephen Strasburg pitch this series, but that doesn't mean that there isn't reason to watch. I'm thinking specifically Jayson Werth. The wiley rookie who once tormented us as a Dodger and then drove us crazy as a Phillie is now a Washington National.
So whereas before, you probably didn't have much reason to dislike the Nationals, you have Jayson Werth.
It will be on the Padres to keep Jayson Werth in check. He hasn't gotten off to the greatest of starts, but his bat has started warming up lately.
Gio Gonzalez will be going for the Nationals. Gio's been pitching well through three starts this season and has been using the strikeout (10.9 K/9) and forcing the groundball to his advantage. Clayton Richard though? He works out a ton.
GO PADRES.