Arizona @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 24, 2014 ) San Diego 7, Arizona 4

Two teams looking to finish the season on a strong note square off Monday when the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the San Diego Padres for the start of a four-game series. Both teams are far removed from playoff contention, but the Padres were encouraged after recording their first winning month of the season in August with a 16-11 mark. Arizona won two of three against Colorado over the weekend while continuing to take an extended look at rookies such as third baseman Jake Lamb.

The Padres are also providing opportunities for several young players, including outfielder Rymer Liriano, who is hitting .196 in 18 games since being promoted from Triple-A El Paso. The 23-year-old Liriano missed all of last season with a right elbow injury, but he’s hoping to earn a spot on next year’s major-league roster with a strong showing this month. Both teams will be promoting several players from the minors on Monday, with San Diego expected to call up former first-round pick Cory Spangenberg to fill in at second base and third.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Trevor Cahill (3-9, 4.98 ERA) vs. Padres RH Tyson Ross (12-12, 2.64)

Cahill’s string of five consecutive quality starts came to an end last Tuesday as he allowed eight runs (six earned) over 3 1/3 innings against the Dodgers. The 26-year-old, who grew up in the San Diego area, has posted a 1.71 ERA in four career starts at Petco Park. Alexi Amarista is 6-for-13 with a home run against Cahill, who is 2-3 with a 2.72 ERA in eight career games (seven starts) against the Padres.

Ross made his franchise-record 13th straight quality start last Tuesday, when he held Milwaukee to one run over 6 1/3 innings. “He’s growing into one of those pitchers where other players, managers and coaches are talking about Tyson Ross as a guy that is becoming a force in the National League,” manager Bud Black told MLB.com. The All-Star is 1-2 with a 2.57 ERA in seven career games (six starts) against Arizona.

WALK-OFFS

1. Arizona is 8-4 against San Diego this season, including 4-2 at Petco Park.

2. San Diego closer Joaquin Benoit will miss the series with right shoulder inflammation.

3. The Diamondbacks are expected to activate OF Cody Ross on Monday. Ross, who is hitting .238 in 160 at-bats, has been out since July 22 with a calf injury.

PREDICTION: Padres 4, Diamondbacks 1