Padres Start Long Road Trip in Big Apple

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Jul 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1 Tuesday, 4:10pm

James Shields (8-3, 3.77 ERA) vs. Noah Syndergaard (4-5, 2.97 ERA)

Here comes the annoying/depressing question everyone will be asking: could this be Shields’ last start as a Padre? The Padres look to move big-money pieces and unfortunately Shields is on the short list. He is 3rd in the NL with 144 strikeouts but also 5th in home runs allowed.

He has struggled with his pitch count lately as he has been unable to pitch more than 5 1/3 innings in his last three starts. Walks have been an issue, he has 11 in that span as well. In his last start against the Mets earlier this year, he got the win after pitching 7 innings and allowing two runs.

Syndergaard has had a good start to his major league career. He has allowed more than 3 runs just twice in his first 13 starts and has not done so since June 9th. He has faced the Padres once this year and went just 4 innings and got pounded for 7 runs in the loss.

Offensive Player to Watch: Derek Norris

Norris has struggled of late (.150 avg, 1 XBH in last 7 games). But he went 2 for 3 with a home run and two RBI against Syndergaard in his only start against San Diego. He still leads all catchers in the major leagues in extra base hits. In 5 career games against the Mets, he is hitting .286.

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