The Padres have a way of making opposing pitchers look good, and that was certainly the case last night. With an ace on the mound and a quick turnaround to get home for another homestand, this team needs to put yesterday’s game behind them and focus on avoiding a sweep. Granted, it is Mother’s Day, so we should all be sweeping the floor for our moms, but we don’t want to see the brooms come out at Guaranteed Rate Field today.
Many words have been written and spoken about Jered Weaver lately. Few of them have been kind, and for good reason. He’s been rocked, and it seems like it’s gotten worse with each outing. In a recent radio appearance, the voice of Padres ownership noted that Weaver’s rope has gotten short, and another ugly appearance could bump him out of the rotation, whether that’s to the bullpen, the disabled list, or elsewhere. Surely he knows the pressure, as he’s been forthcoming with his own disappointment. Perhaps one glimmer of hope can be seen in the White Sox’ collective record against him, with only one home run in 57 at-bats. That’s unlikely to continue given Weaver’s recent past, but a fan can hope.
Facing Weaver is the de-facto ace of the White Sox rotation, Jose Quintana. Long the target of trade talks, Quintana’s strikeout stuff will provide a mighty obstacle for Padres hitters, who rack up the K’s faster than most teams in the league. Having spent all of his six-year career in the AL, Erick Aybar and Wil Myers are the only Padres who have faced him, and neither have had much success. The Columbian lefty is off to a rocky start to his season, giving up four or more earned runs in three of his starts so far, but then there’s the eight innings of shutout ball he pitched on May 2nd against the Royals. He has been issuing more walks and surrendering more homers than in years past, so patience and pitch selection will be key for the Padres hitters today.
At the conclusion of today’s game, the Padres head back home to open a homestand against the Milwuakee Brewers. In the meantime, call your mom and tell her that you love her, and always treat your mother right.
Start time: 11:10AM PDT
Radio: 94.9FM, 860AM (Español)
TV: Fox Sports San Diego
Online: MLB.TV