Padres Head To Desert To Face D-Backs

Jun 18, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Andrew Cashner (34) pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Game 2

The long-awaited return of Andrew Cashner (2-6, 2.36 ERA) has come as he will face off against Vidal Nuno (2-8, 4.79 ERA) in Saturday’s game. Cashner has had 6 starts against Arizona, with a 3.67 ERA and 3-1. In his last start against the Diamondbacks, he threw 6 innings and gave up 2 runs and 3 walks and got tagged with the loss. He has had two trips to the disabled list this year and only has 12 starts. His last start was against the Mariners when he pitched 7 innings and only allowed one run.

Nuno has not won since June 27th. He played most of the year with the Yankees, going 2-5 in 14 starts. He has a 3.72 ERA in 8 starts with the Diamondbacks. He has never faced the Padres before.

Arizona will have a different looking lineup as they traded away Gerardo Parra and Martin Prado before the deadline. Those two combined for 11 HRs, 72 RBI and 214 hits. That is a huge chunk of offense the D-backs are missing, not to mention their MVP candidate Goldschmidt is on the shelf. The Padres have a good opportunity to take this series by the horns.