San Diego staving off sweep for first time since Opening Week

TL;DR

The San Diego Padres are looking to avoid a sweep against the Chicago White Sox after losing four straight games. Their offense has struggled, scoring only nine runs in the last four games, while pitching has remained solid.

Key points

San Diego Padres have lost four straight games.
The offense has scored only nine runs in those games.
Griffin Canning is making his 2026 debut for the Padres.
The Padres need to improve their performance against left-handed pitchers.
Avoiding a sweep is critical for the Padres' momentum.

San Diego PadresChicago White SoxGriffin CanningAnthony Kay

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres strikes out during the sixth inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox at Petco Park on May 02, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images The San Diego Padres haven’t been in this position in quite some time. In fact, they went all of April without losing the first two games of a series. They’ve now dropped four straight for the first time in 2026, and there’s really only one culprit. The bats have been *cold*. Throughout the losing streak, the Friars have only put up nine runs (four games). They’ve yet to score more than four runs since their nine run outburst on Monday night. The pitching has been mostly solid, giving the Padres an ability to stay in the game. But the offense has been lacking in a major way. San Diego will need their bats to pick it up in the series finale against the Chicago White Sox today.

Taking the mound

Anthony Kay (CWS) v. Griffin Canning (SD)

The lefty Kay has been serviceable for the Sox, but he’s easily the weakest of the three starters the Padres have seen in this series. He’s pitched to a 6.12 ERA and a very high 1.68 WHIP. Kay has given up 17 runs on 28 hits across only 25 innings. He’s struck out only 15 batters in that same time. San Diego will hopefully be able to put up some runs against the left-hander. Canning will be making his 2026 debut for the Padres after being signed to a deal with the club this offseason. He’s been rehabbing after an Achilles injury ended his 2025. Canning was solid in five rehab starts, posting a 3.60 ERA. Last year with the was a turnaround for the righty, with Canning posting an ERA under 4.00 for the first time in his career (not including the COVID-shortened 2020 season). San Diego is betting that Canning can pick up right where he left off with the Mets. He’ll begin to make his case this afternoon.

Q&A

Why are the San Diego Padres struggling in their recent games?

The Padres have struggled due to a cold offense, scoring only nine runs over their last four games.

Who is starting for the Padres against the White Sox?

Griffin Canning is making his 2026 debut for the Padres against the White Sox's Anthony Kay.

What are the Padres' offensive challenges against left-handed pitchers?

The Padres have struggled against left-handed pitchers, but players like Nick Castellanos and Miguel Andujar are expected to improve their chances.

What is the significance of the Padres' upcoming game against the White Sox?

The game is crucial for the Padres to avoid a sweep and to regain momentum after a four-game losing streak.