San Diego @ Miami preview
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Last Meeting ( May 6, 2012 ) Miami 6, San Diego 3
The Miami Marlins have won just once in their last eight games as their once-promising season continues to spiral out of control. Miami will attempt to end an eight-game home losing skid to San Diego when the struggling clubs begin a three-game set on Friday. The Marlins secured a three-game sweep when the clubs last met in San Diego from May 4-6 - although former Padre Heath Bell had a blown save in his lone appearance.
With the Padres pretty much out of postseason consideration, all eyes have focused on Chase Headley. The third baseman's availability has become quite the talking point after New York Yankees stud Alex Rodriguez suffered a broken hand against Seattle on Tuesday night. Headley matched a career high with his 12th homer in a 6-3 win over San Francisco on Wednesday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSSD (San Diego), FSFL (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Kip Wells (1-3, 4.00 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Carlos Zambrano (5-8, 4.42)
Wells recorded his worst start of his abbreviated season in his last trip to the mound. Making his fifth appearance, the 35-year-old yielded six runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision versus Colorado on Saturday.
Zambrano fell to 1-5 since June 9 after allowing five runs in a season-worst 3 1/3 innings en route to a 5-1 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday. The 31-year-old Venezuelan matched a season high with six walks in the outing. Zambrano has fared well versus San Diego, posting a 7-2 career mark with a 2.14 ERA and 1.19 WHIP.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Marlins are still waiting for 1B Carlos Lee to make his presence felt. Lee is batting .193 (11-for-57) since being acquired in a July 4 trade, but is hitting .309 in his career versus San Diego.
2. San Diego OF Cameron Maybin is expected to return to the starting lineup on Friday. Maybin, who hasn't started since July 17, has been limited due to a sore right wrist.
3. Miami SS Jose Reyes, who is riding a 13-game hitting streak, is 5-for-9 with a triple in his career versus Wells.