Padres Welcome Fightin’ Phils to San Diego

Jul 19, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) watches after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres (52-57) limp back home after a road trip that started out very promising ended in a very disappointing manner. They will host the last place Philadelphia Phillies (42-67). The Padres dropped their series against the Brewers despite starting the series with a 13-5 win. They were 5-5 on the road trip.

The Phillies actually have been playing good baseball since the All-Star break, going 13-5. They finished with a winning July (13-12). They just dropped a series against the Dodgers.

In injury news, Brandon Morrow could be lost for the rest of the season as they have discovered he may need shoulder surgery. Wil Myers is pain-free and should begin baseball activities very soon. Perhaps we may see him before the season ends. Cory Spangenberg is hitting .182 in three games on his rehab stint in Double-A San Antonio.

Aug 4, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) hits a grand slam home run during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1 Friday, 7:10pm

James Shields (8-4, 3.74 ERA) vs. Aaron Nola (2-1, 3.38 ERA)

Shields has not won a start since July 17th. He went six innings and allowed two runs in his last start in Miami. He has not allowed more than three runs in five consecutive starts. Shields has struggled against the Phillies in his three career starts. He has a 6.35 ERA.

Nola was drafted 7th overall in last year’s draft. He will be making his 4th major league start when he takes the hill at Petco Park tonight. He was 3-1 with a 3.58 ERA in 6 starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season. His only major league start on the road so far was in Chicago where he allowed four runs to the Cubs in 7 2/3 innings.

Offensive Player to Watch: Maikel Franco

Some people are thinking…who? Let me tell you, this kid is amazing. In the last week he has 9 RBI. He is hitting .286 with 12 home runs with an .842 OPS in 72 games this season. He also plays a great third base. The 22 year-old Dominican has a bright future ahead of him.

May 31, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Jedd Gyorko (9) hits a two RBI singel during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Game 2 Saturday, 5:40pm

Tyson Ross (8-8, 3.37 ERA) vs. Adam Morgan (2-3, 4.46 ERA)

Ross has won consecutive starts after finishing July with a solid 2.86 ERA. He allowed two runs in six innings but got 13 runs of support in his last start against the Brewers. He is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 2 starts and 4 total appearances against the Phillies. Ross for some reason has struggled at home with a 4.47 ERA compared to a 2.66 ERA on the road.

The Phillies rotation is certainly less scary without San Diegan Cole Hamels in the mix as the Friars will face yet another rookie. He will pitch in his 8th career game on Saturday night. He allowed four runs and seven hits in his last start against the Braves.

Offensive Player to Watch: Jedd Gyorko

Gyorko has swung the bat well since being called back up. He is hitting .252 with 5 home runs since being recalled on June 30th. In the past week he is hitting .321 with a home run and 5 RBI. He has a .391 career average against the Phillies in his career.