San Diego Padres: Series Preview vs. World Champion Astros

Let’s look ahead to the San Diego Padres’ upcoming interleague series with the reigning World Series champions, the Houston Astros.

Yes, the San Diego Padres are 1-6 and have a very tough six games ahead of them. They start a three-game set with the World Champion Houston Astros tonight and then head to Colorado for three more with the Rockies.

If this team wants to avoid finding themselves in a very deep hole to start the season, they’re going to need to keep up with the big boys in H-Town this weekend and escape with at least a win, if not more.

Although this Padres’ roster is hitting well, for the most part, they should have another key weapon coming back to the lineup very soon in Franchy Cordero, who will begin his rehab assignment tonight in El Paso.

Padres should have their hands full with the ‘Stros

Not shockingly, the Houston Astros’ big dogs have been eating well so far this season. Carlos Correa (.474/.522/.947, two homers, eight RBI in 19 at-bats), Jose Altuve (.414/.419/.483 in 29 at-bats), and Josh Reddick (.353/.450/.706, two home runs, six RBI, 17 at-bats) have been leading the pack.

The Padres will have the middle of their rotation going for them over the weekend, with Luis Perdomo (0-1, 11.25) going up against Lance McCullers, Jr (1-0, 3.38) in the series opener.

Bryan Mitchell (0-1, 9.00) will face Gerrit Cole (1-0, 1.29) on Saturday, with Tyson Ross (1-0, 4.50) going on Sunday versus Charlie Morton (1-0, 0.00).

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What should we expect from the Padres this weekend?

In order for this team to escape Houston without a 1-9 record attached to them, they’re going to need guys like Eric Hosmer to step up and for guys like Freddy Galvis and Jose Pirela to keep doing what they’ve been doing.

Hunter Renfroe, Cory Spangenberg, and Christian Villanueva all figure to get ample playing time in the absence of right-fielder, Wil Myers, who is on the 10-day disabled list with nerve irritation in his right arm.

They have all been more-than-satisfactory so far, so as long as they continue on that pace, the Friars shouldn’t miss Myers all that much. As long as this is a minor injury, as what’s reported.

Another Padre who will also see some extra time in Myers absence but has not been anywhere near satisfactory is veteran Chase Headley. If Andy Green‘s other options continue to outplay him, he may find himself riding the pine full-time when Myers returns.

Next: Franchy Starts Rehab Assignment & Minor Trade

This weekend should give us all a good idea of where this season is heading. If the Padres can play well and stay competitive, win or lose, it could be a morale-boosting series and could prove to be a pivotal moment in the season.