Diamondbacks at Padres
Off to their first 4-0 start in team history, the Arizona Diamondbacks look to remain the National League’s lone unbeaten team when they continue their three-game series with the host San Diego Padres. Arizona has won 11 of its last 15 games against the Padres dating back to last season, including Tuesday’s 4-2 win in 11 innings.
San Diego’s starting rotation is a growing concern with both Tim Stauffer and Dustin Moseley on the disabled list. While Stauffer could return later this month, Moseley is expected to be out an extended period with a shoulder injury. Arizona received a scare when Justin Upton didn’t start Tuesday because of a sore left thumb, but he later entered the game as a defensive replacement. After starting last season 15-22, the Diamondbacks are 83-46 (.643) in their last 129 regular-season games.
TV: 6:35 p.m. ET, FSSD (San Diego)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Joe Saunders (2011: 12-13 3.69 ERA) vs. Padres LH Cory Luebke (0-1, 9.64 ERA).
Saunders is 5-3 lifetime against the Padres with a 3.00 ERA in eight starts, and he was especially tough on San Diego last season when he was 3-1 with a 1.47 ERA. Since 2008, Saunders is tied for fourth among major league left-handers with 54 wins. He set a career-high with 212 innings and tied his personal best with 33 starts last season.
Luebke, who allowed six runs (five earned) on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings against the Dodgers last Friday, is 0-3 with a 5.50 ERA in five games - three starts - against Arizona. Upton is 5-for-10 with three home runs against Luebke.
WALK-OFFS:
1. San Diego outfielder Mark Kotsay (calf) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Lake Elsinore on Wednesday.
2. Arizona closer J.J. Putz has converted a team record 27 consecutive save opportunities dating back to July 27 of last season.
3. Diamondbacks prospect Trevor Bauer struck out a career-best 11 batters over 5 2/3 innings Tuesday for Double-A Mobile.