The Friars begin a 10 game road trip Friday evening in Washington, D.C. The season's second half is in full-gear, as trade season looms large. Here's what to expect:
The Padres (52-44, 2nd in NL West) find themselves in the mix within the National League playoff picture. After taking a series at home against the Philadelphia Phillies heading into the All-Star break, San Diego's schedule now eases as they have the eighth easiest remaining schedule in baseball according to FanGraphs. With their starting rotation almost at full-strength and lineup awaiting reinforcements, they'll have to receive contributions from their core group of Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill, Xander Bogaerts, and Fernando Tatis Jr. to keep themselves in the running, something they're all capable of doing.
The Washington Nationals (38-58, 5th in NL East) are 2-8 in their last 10 contests stemming back to July 3. They were swept out of Milwaukee before the break and are in position to sell as the trade deadline approaches. Although they've received All-Star seasons from left-hander MacKenzie Gore and young phenom outfielder James Wood, the Nats are overseeing organizational turnover, as they fired manager Dave Martinez and president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo on July 6.
Pitching matchups
Friday: Padres RHP Dylan Cease (3-9, 4.88 ERA) vs. Nationals RHP Michael Soroka (3-7, 5.35 ERA) 3:45 p.m. PT
A bounce back second-half would be revolutionary for Dylan Cease. He suffered his ninth loss of the campaign on July 9 versus Arizona, giving up six earned runs on five hits through six laboring innings of work. The middle frames will be key to his success or demise, as he currently sports a 6.16 ERA in the fourth inning and 9.42 ERA in the fifth inning of games this season.
Michael Soroka took a loss on July 10 against the St. Louis Cardinals in a four inning effort, surrendering two earned runs on four hits. The righty will be an intriguing name in the coming weeks, as contending clubs might see him as a useful back of the rotation arm.
Saturday: Padres RHP Yu Darvish (0-1, 6.48 ERA) vs. Nationals LHP Mitchell Parker (5-10, 5.12 ERA) 3:45 p.m. PT
In two short-leash starts this season, Yu Darvish has looked healthy for a San Diego rotation that now is only missing ace Michael King. Darvish threw 83 total pitches on July 12 versus the Phillies, but could not get through the fifth inning against a tough Philadelphia lineup. His breaking pitches still look mesmerizing and will play a huge role for the Padres moving forward.
Mitchell Parker struggled through 4 2/3 against the Brewers, giving up seven earned runs while issuing three walks. He did however, toss six innings over the Padres on June 23 in which he picked up a victory. The 25 year-old looks to improve on his 4-5 home record to go along with 40 strikeouts and a 4.02 ERA.
Sunday: Padres RHP Nick Pivetta (9-2, 2.88 ERA) vs. Nationals LHP MacKenzie Gore (4-8, 3.02 ERA) 10:35 a.m. PT
It's simple for Nick Pivetta: just keep doing what you're doing. The tall right-hander arguably should have received an All-Star nod after his first half. Although it didn't result in a win, he threw 6 2/3 brilliant innings against Philadelphia in his last start before the break, racking up eight strikeouts while lowering his July ERA to a sparkling 0.49. San Diego's most consistent and arguably best starter this season will be crucial down the stretch.
All-Star MacKenzie Gore will face his former club in the series finale and will look to add to his breakout campaign. He tossed six innings of one run baseball against the Friars on June 25 and most recently did the same against the Cardinals, picking up the win. He currently ranks third in the NL with 138 strikeouts.
Early takeaways
The Padres enter the second half in possession of the third National League Wild Card spot by a half game and trail the Los Angeles Dodgers by 5 1/2 games in the division. To keep themselves on track for another October run, reinforcements are much needed. San Diego has been entrenched in trade buzz over the last several weeks regarding help in the outfield and at catcher. Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran is the constant name the Friars have been linked to since early June. As mentioned, with a lighter schedule and new additions, the club's chances of success greatly increase.
Washington's focus post All-Star break will be retooling from whatever parts they sell-off before or at the trade deadline. Closer Kyle Finnegan is once again on the trade block and will generate interest as a backend bullpen arm. Soroka and infielder Amed Rosario will also be names who could be on the move. The hope in D.C. is that the fruits of the Juan Soto trade and 2023 first rounder Dylan Crews will be paired with a viable supporting cast in the future. In the meantime, all they can do is watch October baseball from afar.