/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8867357/20120821_jla_ah2_177.0.jpg)
After taking one step forward on Tuesday to pull to .500 in Spring Training, yesterday our Padres took two steps back and lost both split squad games against the Reds and the Athletics. We'll see if they can bounce back today as they host the Royals at Peoria Sports Complex.
Jason Marquis, who is considered a lock for the 2013 rotation, will get the start today and make his Spring debut against Kansas City. To many fans' discontent, Marquis was one of, if not the biggest deal made in the team's offseason, signing for one year and $3 million. Last season he went 6-7 in 15 games started for San Diego, including a complete game shutout. He is scheduled to pitch two innings today.
Tyson Ross, who made his Padres debut in a start against the Mariners on Saturday, will pitch again today. Ross and Wilfredo Boscan are each slated for two or three innings in relief with Huston Street, Matt Stites, and Nick Vincent rounding out the rest of the scheduled pitching out of the 'pen.
Today's #Padres lineup vs. Royals, 12:05 p.m. PT twitter.com/FollowThePadre…
— Corey Brock (@FollowThePadres) February 28, 2013
The Royals are coming off a win against the Brewers yesterday. Today they'll send James Shield to the mound to make the start (and his Cactus League debut). Shields was the centerpiece of Kansas City's trade with Tampa Bay this past offseason and is expected to the the Royals' number 1 starter in 2013. He will pitch only one inning today, followed by rotation-hopeful Will Smith, who has already had one appearance this Spring, a start against the Rangers in the Spring Training opener. Smith tossed two scoreless innings without allowing a baserunner. Also scheduled to pitch for KC today is Atahualpa Severino. This will be Severino's last appearance before joining our own Edinson Volquez to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
#Royals make 8-mile trek on Bell Rd to face Padres in Peoria today. James Shields on mound.#RoyalsST twitter.com/Royals/status/…
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) February 28, 2013
Today's game can be streamed online for free at padres.com. First pitch is set for 12:05pm.
GO FRIARS!! KEEP THE FAITH!!