San Diego @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 22, 2012 ) Colorado 2, San Diego 3

Both teams were essentially eliminated from playoff contention months ago, but the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies are hardly playing out the string. Colorado is 12-5 over its last 17 games, while the Padres have won nine of their last 10. San Diego third baseman Chase Headley was the subject of extensive trade talks last month, but the Padres are now reportedly leaning toward extending his contract. The 28-year-old Headley is having a career year, and he’s hit .311 (32-for-103) with 30 RBIs and 10 home runs in 27 games this month. If the Padres hold onto Headley, top prospect Jedd Gyorko would likely make a permanent move to second base.

Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (groin) and first baseman Jason Giambi (viral illness) are continuing their rehab assignments with Triple-A Colorado Springs this week, and both appear close to rejoining the team. While the Rockies have been a huge disappointment this season, rookies such as Josh Rutledge, Jordan Pacheco, DJ LeMahieu and Wilin Rosario have given fans reason for hope. Rosario’s 22 home runs this season are tied for the sixth-most for a rookie catcher in major league history. He’s 4-for-9 with two homers and five RBIs in his last two games.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, Fox Sports SD (San Diego), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (11-12, 3.72 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Alex White (2-6, 5.49)

Richard gave up three runs over eight innings on Saturday against the Diamondbacks, and all three runs came on home runs. The left-hander has allowed three runs or fewer in five of his last six starts and has gone 4-1 with a 2.27 ERA over that stretch. Richard, who needs three more wins to match his career high, is 0-3 with a 9.00 ERA in five career starts at Coors Field.

White has pitched just four innings in five straight outings, including Saturday's effort when he gave up three runs (two earned) over four frames against the Chicago Cubs. White hasn’t thrown more than 84 pitches in any of his last nine starts. He pitched well against San Diego on May 8, giving up two runs with five strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rutledge is batting .350 (49-for-140) with seven homers and 27 RBIs in his first 40 major league games.

2. The Padres have gone 41-30 (.577) since June 12 for the fourth-best winning percentage in the National League over that stretch.

3. Colorado OF Dexter Fowler has been out of the starting lineup for seven straight games due to an ankle injury, but he remains available to pinch hit.