Padres quickly back on track, force rubber match in Anaheim

Taking the mound

Reid Detmers (LAA) v. Michael King (SD)

Detmers has been a solid starter for the Angels. If not for the emergence of José Soriano as an absolute ace, he would be the Halos best starter. He’s pitched to a 3.57 ERA and limited the New York Yankees to one run on four hits in his last start. He’s done a good job of limiting walks, focusing on commanding his pitches well. The Padres have faced him sparingly, but in what they have seen, they’ve hit him quite well (.363 BA, 31 ABs). If they can wake up their bats tonight after a cold series (four runs scored), it should be an easy win. That peaceful easy feeling is due mostly to who’s on the mound for San Diego. King’s return to bona-fide ace-dom has been a welcome one for the Friars. He’s authored a 2.78 ERA across 22 2/3 innings this season, limiting opponents to a .205 batting average. King will look to continue that tonight against a relatively potent Angels lineup. Márquez stifled that lineup last night so King shouldn’t have trouble. But, if he does, the bullpen has enough availability to pick him up.

Batter up!

Freddy Fermin had an encouraging return to the lineup after a brief concussion scare. He went 1-for-2 with two walks and scored two runs. That being said, Luis Campusano will probably get the start in today’s game. Nick Castellanos will also probably start with the lefty Detmers on the mound. His splits are much better against left-handers than Gavin Sheets. That would have the lineup looking like this:

1. Ramón Laureano, LF
2. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
3. Jackson Merrill, CF
4. Manny Machado, 3B
5. Xander Bogaerts, SS
6. Miguel Andujar, DH
7. Nick Castellanos, 1B
8. Luis Campusano, C
9. Jake Cronenworth, 2B Andujar had a great day yesterday, going 2-for-3 against the Halos. He’ll probably start against Detmers given his splits are similar to Castellanos against left-handers.

Relief corps

The Padres spent all of their high-leverage options last night, using Adrian Morejon, Adam and Miller to record the final 3 1/3 innings. Morejon was his usual self, dominating the Angels. Adam struggled somewhat, as did Miller (though calling Miller’s outing a struggle simply for allowing two baserunners for the first time this year is a little silly). Tonight, the Friars will have Kyle Hart, Ron Marinaccio, David Morgan, Wandy Peralta and Bradgley Rodriguez to turn to following King. Miller could also come out to close given the off day tomorrow before the Padres’ series opener against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday.