San Diego Padres: Series Preview: Padres vs. Indians

A look at the pitching matchups and what to expect this week when the San Diego Padres travel to Cleveland to take on the Indians in a three game series.

The Padres enjoyed an off day on Monday, but now it’s back to work on July 4th in Cleveland against the Indians.

The three game inter-league series features one of baseball’s top teams, and the rebuilding Padres.

The Friars come in at 34-48 in fourth place in the NL West. The Tribe lead the AL Central with a record of 44-37. Here’s a look at the matchups for the series.

Tuesday, 4:10 PM: Cahill vs. Kluber

Right off the bat against the defending American League champions, San Diego is faced with the extremely difficult task of facing 2014 Cy Young winner Corey Kluber. Kluber remains one of the more dominant pitchers in baseball, with a fastball/off speed combination lethal to most lineups. Getting to him early will be the key, but is much easier said than done.

The Padres will counter with Trevor Cahill, the 29-year-old returning from his shoulder injury. The former Chicago Cub has excelled in his seven starts this season, recording a 3.27 ERA. But his first start coming off of the DL will be a challenge without a doubt.

The Independence Day holiday will make this game a very well attended one in Cleveland, and a game that many will watch on TV back in San Diego.

Wednesday, 4:10 PM: Perdomo vs. Bauer

The middle contest of this three game series features a pair of young pitchers in different stages of their development. Cleveland starter Trevor Bauer has gradually improved and battled through various struggles in his young career. Now 26, the right-hander has a 5.24 ERA in 16 starts this year, but has shown improvement over the last two months.

Luis Perdomo is young, but has made a positive impression so far in 2017. His consistency is what makes him most valuable, and even though his ERA is up near 5, the Padres can always count on stability from the 24-year-old.

This game will definitely be tough for the Padres, but they can pull it off if Perdomo can take his strong performances at home and apply them away from Petco Park.

More from Friars on Base

• Jurickson Profar free agency update likely rules out Padres reunion
• Fernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts addition
• Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
• Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher
• This veteran DH target seems ideal for contending Padres roster

Thursday, 4:10 PM: Lamet vs. Tomlin

Even though Cahill is set to return to the rotation, Dinelson Lamet is still slated to start this week in the series finale in Cleveland. He will go toe to toe with Cleveland’s probable, Josh Tomlin, one of baseball’s most underrated starters.

This game could be the most high scoring of the series without such dominant starting pitching. The Padres will need to remain aggressive against what will be a lot of fastballs early in counts from Tomlin. San Diego will have a shot to win this game and possibly the series if they are able to get on the board early, and if Lamet can hold his own and give the bullpen a chance to hold on to the lead.

Next: Week #13 recap

Each game in this series can be seen on Fox Sports San Diego and heard locally on 94.9 FM. Many fans will definitely be watching the opener on the holiday. Hopefully the Friars can hold their own against a very strong Indians club. Go Padres!