The San Diego Padres are set to host the Arizona Diamondbacks in a series that could see both teams return to the .500 win-loss mark. The matchup features Padres pitcher Walker Buehler, who is seeking to rebound from a difficult recent start, against Diamondbacks starter Brandon Pfaadt.
With a win on Tuesday, the Diamondbacks would reach .500 for the season at 45-45. However, the team has struggled on the road, holding a 17-25 record away from home. Despite trading several players over the past year, Arizona's offense remains a strength, though questions persist about potential future trades, with Ketel Marte's name frequently mentioned in rumors.
Pfaadt has made five starts this season, with his most recent outing against the Giants lasting 5.1 innings, where he allowed three hits and one solo home run. His previous start against the Padres saw him give up four earned runs in three innings.
The Padres, like the Diamondbacks, are on the cusp of reaching .500. Despite a roster filled with talented hitters and reliable pitchers, the team has faced inconsistencies. Factors such as a perceived lack of power from key players like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts, and Manny Machado's batting average, have been cited as potential reasons for their struggles.
Buehler Seeks Home Field Advantage
Walker Buehler, a key arm for the Padres, enters the game with a 5-4 record and a 4.61 ERA. He has performed significantly better at home in San Diego, where his ERA is 3.13, compared to his road ERA. Following a strong June, Buehler's first start in July resulted in nine earned runs allowed over four innings, a performance he will be looking to put behind him.
Historically, Pfaadt has allowed Padres hitters to bat .258 against him, with four home runs and 18 RBIs. Machado has a .368 average against Pfaadt, while Bogaerts is hitting .167 and Jake Cronenworth is hitting .409. Buehler has held Diamondbacks hitters to a .194 batting average over 98 career at-bats, with Pavin Smith struggling particularly against him, going 1-for-15.
Manny Machado recently hit a solo home run to extend the Padres' lead in a prior game, and Fernando Tatis Jr. has also been noted for snapping a home run drought. The Padres are favored in the series opener, with odds of -124, based on Buehler's home performance and the expectation of his rebound.