:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49493627/usa-today-9266201.0.jpg)
Once again the Padres find themselves on the verge of a sweep. But can they make it happen this time around? So far this season the Padres have failed to win a single series finale. Whether they were looking to avoid or complete a sweep, salvage a split, or take the rubber match to win the series, they have lost their final game against every opponent up to this point.
The young right-hander Cesar Vargas will try to help them end that streak and complete their first sweep of 2016. The 24-year-old made his Major League debut only 11 days ago after being called up to replace Robbie Erlin in the rotation. Now that Erlin is out for the season, it looks like Vargas might be getting a bigger opportunity than originally anticipated.
The former Yankees reliever is still under a strict 90-inning pitch count, but he has been great in his first two starts since joining the big league club. He's allowed only one run while striking out nine through 10 1/3 total innings. Prior to his call-up, he kept opponents to two runs and struck out 14 in 12 1/3 innings for the Padres' Double-A San Antonio Missions. He has yet to notch a big league decision, but hopefully he can get one in the win column this afternoon.
The Rockies will counter with 26-year-old Tyler Chatwood, who is in his fourth year with the team and fifth year in the Majors. Chatwood has been mostly solid this season posting a 2.73 ERA while going 3-2 in his five starts. Chatwood has faced the Padres five times (three times as a starter, with all three taking place at Petco Park) in his career, going 1-0 with a 4.91 ERA. But his last appearance against them was back in 2013.
Game time: 12:40 pm PT
Radio: The Mighty 1090, La Poderosa 860 (Sp.)
TV: FSSD, Fox Deportes San Diego (Sp.)
Editor's Note: New players win cash in their first daily fantasy baseball league or get their entry fee refunded! Offered in partnership with FanDuel.