Padres Look To Get Out Of Atlanta With Split of Series

Jul 27, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Tommy La Stella (7) is tagged out by San Diego Padres second baseman Yangervis Solarte (27) while attempting to steal during the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

In rare wrap around series, the Padres look to come out of Atlanta Monday afternoon with a split after dropping the last two games over the weekend.  The Padres lost Sunday’s contest 8-3 after Eric Stults lost his thirteenth game of the season.

Both second basemen Yangervis Solarte and catcher Rene Rivera continue  their hot hitting as each of them hit home runs in the loss.

For the Padres, they will start 37-year old left-hander Jason Lane, who was called back up yesterday after it was announced that Ian Kennedy would miss his start due to an oblique injury. Lane will be making his first start of his Major League career in only his third pitching performance. In 19 starts at El Paso, the former outfielder was 6-8 with a 4.67 ERA. Earlier this year, Lane made a brief stint with the Padres making two appearances and throwing 4.1 scoreless innings.

The Braves will counter with with veteran right-hander Ervin Santana (9-6,3.87). Santana’s had a roller coaster season posting a 6.44 ERA in five of his last six starts. However, in his last start against the Marlins he went 7.1 innings allowing one earned run and striking out ten using his slider effectively.  

Entering Monday, outfielder Seth Smith‘s leading all qualifying hitters this month with a .415 BA and an on-base percentage of .484. He’s hit safely in 13 of 18 games he’s has played in posting four three hit games and a .660 slugging percentage, which ranks third this month.

With his home run yesterday, Solarate set a new Padres’ record by recording an RBI in all five games he’s played in since the trade that sent third baseman Chase Headley to the New York Yankees.

On the news front, the Padres’ placed Carlos Quentin on the 15-Day DL with a knee injury and activated Jedd Gyorko. To make room for Lane, the Padres sent down infielder Brooks Conrad.

Despite the consecutive losses, the Padres have played well against the Braves over the last couple seasons. Following the game, the Padres’ will fly back home to start a six game home stand that will include another series with these Braves.

First pitch is scheduled for 9:10 AM PDT.