The San Diego Padres started the game with multiple runs in the first inning, but it was not enough in their 11-4 loss at the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday afternoon.
Padres starter Randy Vásquez (4-7, 5.18 ERA), recalled from Triple-A El Paso on Monday, gave up nine runs, 11 hits and four walks over 4 ⅓ innings.
Jake Cronenworth hit a two-run homer in the first inning, giving the Padres a 2-0 lead, which would be their only lead.
The San Diego offense showed some life in the seventh when Luis Arraez singled to left field and brought home Mason McCoy to cut their deficit to 4-9.
The Padres (77-61) will look to bounce back and win the three-game series on Sunday afternoon.
Here are the takeaways:
Darvish injury update
The pitching for the Padres on Saturday afternoon looked like they needed Yu Darvish and he seems to be returning to the majors soon.
Darvish threw four innings in a controlled game environment at the team’s spring training complex in Peoria, Arizona, against Reds minor leaguers Friday. He faced 18 batters and threw 66 pitches.
Darvish has been dealing with groin and elbow injuries since early this season.
Tatis update
Fernando Tatis Jr. joined Darvish at the Padres' spring complex, where he has been receiving at-bats against live pitching. Manager Mike Shildt said that Tatis could return without going on a rehab assignment.
The Padres superstar is expected to return in early September. He has been dealing with a right femoral stress reaction.
Also
With Saturday's loss, the Padres trail the Diamondbacks by half game for the top National League wild card spot. They are 1.5 games ahead of the Atlanta Braves.
Padres right-hander Dylan Cease (12-10, 3.57 ERA) will face Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot (7-6, 3.61) in the series finale at 10:40 a.m. Sunday.