Atlanta @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 25, 2011 ) Atlanta 10, San Diego 1

THE STORY: If their first two games are any indication, Sunday’s series finale between the San Diego Padres and the visiting Atlanta Braves doesn’t figure to be a nail-biter. The Padres scored their most runs at home this season in Friday's 11-2 victory, and Atlanta responded with a 10-1 rout on Saturday. The Braves have won five of six and 12 of 17 overall.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports South, Channel 4SD

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Tim Hudson (6-6, 3.73) at Padres LH Cory Luebke (1-2, 3.23 ERA)

Hudson allowed two hits and one walk while striking out eight over eight innings last Monday against the Blue Jays. The Braves are 1-5 in Hudson’s last six starts against a team with a losing record.

Luebke is making his fourth career start and first this season after making 29 appearances out of the bullpen. He is 1-1 with a 1.65 ERA in his last 25 outings spanning 32 2/3 innings since April 14.

ABOUT THE BRAVES (44-34): While there’s plenty to like about the Braves, their offense has been a concern all season. Entering Saturday’s action, the Braves had hit .199 in their past 12 games. After leading the National League with a.339 on-base percentage last year, the Braves are at .305 this season, tied for second-worst in the league with San Diego. Some are blaming hitting coach Larry Parrish, who’s struggled to get Dan Uggla (.180) and Nate McLouth (.238) untracked. Derek Lowe is now winless in his last nine starts after losing Friday to the Padres. He’s 2-6 with a 4.60 ERA in his last 16 starts. Martin Prado (staph infection) has begun hitting off a tee, and he could return a few days prior to the all-star break. As the trade deadline approaches, the Braves could be in the market for a centerfielder to replace Jordan Schafer, who’s hitting .221 with four RBIs in 113 at-bats. Atlanta remains high on Schafer, however, so they’ll likely give him a few more weeks to prove himself.

ABOUT THE PADRES (33-45): Starting pitcher Aaron Harang has been on the disabled list since June 10 and doesn’t appear close to returning. He’s still wearing a walking boot as he recovers from a stress fracture in his right foot. Relievers Joe Thatcher (shoulder) and Luke Gregerson (oblique) are also out for an extended period, but both are progressing with their throwing programs. Infielder Jorge Cantu cleared waivers and was released by the Padres, who called up Jesus Guzman to take Cantu’s roster spot. Chase Headley missed his second straight game Saturday with a sore shoulder. The third baseman re-aggravated a shoulder injury in his final at-bat in Boston on Wednesday. While the Padres don’t think the injury will force Headley to the disabled list, he’ll likely miss the entire Atlanta series. Since June 13, Headley is batting 18-for-38 (.474).

FINAL PITCH: The Braves are 14-2 in their last 16 during the third game of a series.