San Diego @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 24, 2011 ) San Diego 3, Philadelphia 5

THE STORY: The San Diego Padres would love to get setup man Mike Adams and closer Heath Bell into a game in front of scouts before the trade deadline. Of course, they need a lead first. The Philadelphia Phillies have had the Padres’ number of late, winning 10 straight, and will go for a four-game sweep Monday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies, who were thought to be in the market for some of San Diego’s bullpen arms, now have such a commanding lead for a playoff spot that they may not be inclined to make a big move.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, CSN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Aaron Harang (8-2, 3.29 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Cliff Lee (9-6, 2.83 ERA).

Harang will be auditioning as one of several names on the Padres staff in trade rumors. The veteran righthander has been strong in three starts since coming off the disabled list, allowing three runs and 12 hits in 18 1/3 innings. Harang has had mixed success against Philadelphia in his career, posting a 2-2 record with a 5.22 ERA in 11 games - 10 starts. Since going 5-0 with a one run allowed in 42 innings during June, Lee has yet to win in three July turns. The former Cy Young winner has surrendered five home runs among 21 hits in those starts. Lee has made four starts against San Diego in his career, going 1-1 with a 4.05 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings.

ABOUT THE PHILLIES (64-36): The class of the National League through 100 games, Philadelphia has won five straight and 19 of their last 27 to open up a big lead over the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. The Phillies have reportedly poked around in search of cheap bullpen help or a right-handed hitting outfielder and may make a minor deal or two in advance of next weekend’s trade deadline. On the field, Philadelphia got some welcome offensive help Sunday from Raul Ibanez, who entered the contest without a hit in 23 previous at-bats against San Diego. The veteran slugger broke out of that slump with two hits and two RBIs in support of Roy Halladay during a 5-3 victory. Ryan Howard, back in the starting lineup after a pinch-hit homer Saturday, turned in his first multi-hit game since the All-Star break.

ABOUT THE PADRES (44-58): Back in the NL West basement, San Diego can at least look to Cameron Maybin as a bright spot. The former first-round pick of the Florida Marlins has hit in 10 straight games since the All-Star break, going 14-for-26 (.538) over the last six. He also has at least one stolen base in each of the last six contests. Maybin, with six home runs, will become the team leader in homers if the Padres, as expected, move Ryan Ludwick and his 11 blasts by the deadline. Bell and Adams figure to bring a bigger return, and there is no shortage of teams looking for help at the back end of the bullpen.

FINAL PITCH: Philadelphia righthander Roy Oswalt (back) threw in the bullpen Sunday and is expected to begin a rehab assignment Wednesday. The Phillies also hope to get third baseman Placido Polanco (back) out on a rehab assignment soon. Polanco had an epidural Thursday and worked in the batting cage prior to Sunday’s game.