08/17 Padres Preview: Game 123 vs. New York

Once again the Padres were limited on offense last night as they dropped the second game of the four-game series against the Mets. Tonight they'll try to keep alive the hope of a split. Edinson Volquez is tasked with getting the Padres their first win of the series as he tries to rebound from a rough outing a Coors Field. The Rockies scored eight runs on nine hits and three walks in just 4 1/3 innings off Volquez in his last start. Tonight's task looks to be a daunting one for the right-hander, who posts a 5.28 ERA - worst in the league - while walking 4.28 batters per nine innings - worst in the NL. Not to mention his struggles against New York in the past: in six career starts against the Mets, he has averaged less than five innings per start while going 0-5 with a 7.76 ERA. On Opening Day at Citi Field this year, he was tagged for six runs in 4 2/3 innings of a 14-2 loss.

His opponent, on the other hand, has been quite impressive since returning to the big leagues this season. Jenrry Mejia made his major league debut in 2010, but only had six career starts under his belt coming into the 2013 season, his playing time hampered by Tommy John surgery. Those six starts totaled only 24 1/3 innings and he posted a 7.03 ERA with 14 walks in that stretch, but since making his return he has shown glimpses of the promise he had as a prospect a few years ago. He's already matched his previous innings total with 24 1/3 innings pitched through four starts since coming back to the bigs on July 26th. In that span he has limited opponents to eight runs (six earned) and a .264 batting average while collecting 22 strikeouts and issuing just three walks. Tonight will be his first start against San Diego, though he's pitched two scoreless relief innings against them in the past.

See how Volquez and Mejia fare in tonight's matchup, beginning at 5:40.