Houston @ San Diego preview
Petco Park
Last Meeting ( Jul 16, 2012 ) Houston 2, San Diego 0
Houston snapped its 13-game road losing streak on Monday, but the team is still waiting to learn how long shortstop Jed Lowrie will be out. Lowrie was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday after leaving Sunday’s game with a sprained right ankle. The Astros will know more about his injury after he meets with a doctor on Tuesday. Rookie Marwin Gonzalez figures to get most of the starts in Lowrie’s spot, and he’s 4-for-8 in two games since coming off the disabled list.
With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Twitterverse was abuzz when Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin was scratched from Monday’s starting lineup. Quentin has been mentioned in various trade talks, but was scratched only because of knee soreness and could return Tuesday. The Padres clearly need Quentin’s bat in the lineup. San Diego is 15-21 (.417) when Quentin has played, compared to 21-34 (.382) when he's been out. The Padres are also reportedly shopping third baseman Chase Headley, who could be expendable with top prospect Jedd Gyorko excelling at Triple-A Tucson.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS Houston, FS San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Jordan Lyles (2-5, 5.08 ERA) vs. Padres RH Ross Ohlendorf (2-0, 7.41)
Lyles, who gave up two runs over seven innings against Milwaukee in his final start before the All-Star break, has a 6.67 ERA in six road outings. He last faced San Diego on June 26 in Houston, giving up one run over 6 1/3 innings. Lyles is 2-3 with a 7.03 ERA over 32 career innings against National League West opponents.
Ohlendorf is 0-6 with a 6.43 ERA in 12 career appearances (10 starts) against Houston. Ohlendorf’s last two appearances have come in relief, with his last start coming on June 25 against the Astros when he gave up five runs over 3 2/3 innings. A native of Austin, he's faced the Astros more than any other team in his career.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Astros had a season-high five stolen bases Monday, their most in a game since stealing six on April 25, 2010.
2. The Padres are 5-43 when trailing after six innings.
3. Houston starters have a 3.51 ERA since June 17 covering 25 games.