Padres Host D-Backs in First Leg of Homestand

May 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Carlos Quentin (18) scores a run during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Padres kick off a 10-game homestand with the lowly Diamondbacks, who hold the worst record in the MLB at 9-22. Ace Andrew Cashner (2-3, 2.68 ERA) gets the rock for the Friars, his counterpart will be Bronson Arroyo (1-2, 7.77 ERA) Friday night. Luckily, the Padres will confront the Diamondbacks with their three current best pitchers on the staff. The Diamondbacks have a team ERA of 5.20, which is last in the major leagues. This is perhaps the perfect medicine for the Padres’ reeling bats. The Friars are 29th in team batting average at .217. Let’s hope the Padres can take advantage of Arizona’s suspect pitching.

The second game of the series features Ian Kennedy (2-3, 3.16 ERA) taking the hill against his former team for the better part of 3 years. Since joining the Padres, Kennedy has had a roller coaster time with his old club. In 2 starts against the Diamondbacks he is 1-0 with a 6.35 ERA, 6 walks and 10 strikeouts. He will have to deal with Mark Trumbo, who is tied for 7th in MLB with 7 home runs and Paul Goldschmidt’s .323 average.

With the Padres hosting the Diamondbacks, Royals (14-12) and Marlins (13-14) during this homestand, they could feasibly come out 6-4 or better. That would boost their record right around .500. That should be the focus as the Padres continue to get healthy and help their middle-of-the-lineup hitters find their hitting shoes: stay around .500 and within striking distance of the NL West’s elite.