Padres Head Home To Face Brew Crew

Apr 22, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso (23) slides safely into second base after hitting a double as Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Scooter Gennett (2) applies the tag during the fifth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Padres (60-69) head home after a rough road trip to face the first-place Milwaukee Brewers (72-58). These two teams faced off in late April and the Brewers took the series two games to one. The Brewers just lost a series with the Pirates at home. They have come a bit more down to earth in the second half, with a 19-15 record.

The Brewers are getting healthy. They are still without Matt Garza, who has not started since August 3rd with a strained rib cage. Milwaukee has a 1.5 game advantage in the National League Central, just ahead of the Cardinals. The last time the Brewers visited Petco Park, they won the series.

The Padres are a bit banged up. Everth Cabrera is still on the shelf with a nagging hamstring injury. Jedd Gyorko also has a sore hamstring but that should not prevent him from playing in this series. The Padres are 34-27 at home, 23 games better than on the road. This series will be a challenge the Padres need to springboard themselves into the last month of the season.