New York @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 11, 2011 ) San Diego 3, NY Mets 2

THE STORY: The San Diego Padres completed a 10-game road trip Sunday, and you’ll understand if they’re not exactly rushing home. The Padres are 31-32 on the road, while their 23-36 home mark is the second worst in the majors. San Diego gets a chance to improve their home record starting Monday against the New York Mets, who have lost five straight games and 11 of their last 14.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, SNY, Channel 4SD

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH R.A. Dickey (5-11, 3.75 ERA) at Padres RH Aaron Harang (11-3, 3.95 ERA)

Dickey gave up five runs – three earned – over six innings last Wednesday against San Diego. He’s making his first career start at Petco Park. The Mets are 6-4 in Dickey’s last 10 starts despite his record being only 2-4. Harang has gone 6-1 with a 3.27 ERA over his last 12 starts, and he’s 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA in his last six home starts. Harang is 3-3 with a 5.88 ERA in seven career starts against the Mets. Jason Bay is 17-for-49 (.347) with five home runs against Harang.

ABOUT THE METS (58-62): Jose Reyes (hamstring) will likely be out another 2-3 weeks as the Mets take it slow with the All-Star shortstop. This is the second hamstring injury this season for Reyes, who hasn’t attempted to run since being placed on the disabled list last week. Starter Mike Pelfrey (elbow) was hit on his pitching elbow by a line drive on Saturday, X-rays were negative and he should be ready for his next start Friday against the Brewers. Lucas Duda is making a bid for more playing time with a strong August. He is hitting .315 with two homers and nine RBIs in his last 12 games, and he figures to play most games at first base with Ike Davis (ankle) likely out for the season. Because of the Mets’ current losing streak, Jason Isringhausen has not pitched since Tuesday. He is sitting on 299 career saves, one short of becoming the 23rd major league closer to reach the magic 300 mark.

ABOUT THE PADRES (54-68): With his 30th stolen base on Saturday, Cameron Maybin became the first Padre to steal 30 bases in a season since Dave Roberts in 2006. The Padres stole two bases on Sunday and lead the majors with 146. First baseman Jesus Guzman missed the past two games with a sore elbow, but he’s not expected to land on the disabled list. Kyle Blanks started at first on Sunday and went 0-for-5, but he had a solid road trip and could see more playing time down the stretch. Third baseman James Darnell knocked in his first two runs and stole his first base on Sunday. Darnell will likely see time in left field when Chase Headley (finger) returns from the disabled list. Before Sunday’s game, the Padres optioned outfielder Blake Tekotte to Double-A San Antonio and recalled right-handed pitcher Pat Neshek from Tucson. Tekotte batted .182 (6-for-32) in 18 games.

FINAL PITCH: Mets pitching prospect Zack Wheeler, who was acquired from the Giants in the Carlos Beltran trade, gave up one run over five innings Friday for Single-A St. Lucie.