Padres at Dodgers
Off to their best start since 1981, the Dodgers own the majors’ best record at 7-1. Los Angeles has beaten the Padres in 14 of their last 17 games, including Friday’s dramatic 9-8 victory when Andre Ethier drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the ninth. The loss dropped San Diego to 2-6, and the Padres have struck out a major league-worst 82 times in eight games.
There was some concern after the game about reliever Kenley Jansen’s velocity during the ninth inning, when he gave up a two-out, two-run homer to Chase Headley. Jansen got the nod because regular closer Javy Guerra was unavailable after pitching in three straight games. The Dodgers are hoping Friday’s cold weather was behind Jansen’s reduced velocity. Jansen also said he’s been battling the flu this week.
TV: 9:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Joe Wieland (major league debut) vs. Dodgers LH Ted Lilly (2011: 12-14, 3.97 ERA)
Acquired from Texas last July, Wieland is starting in place of Dustin Moseley, who could be facing shoulder surgery. Wieland has a 33-19 minor league record with a 3.29 ERA, and has 408 strikeouts against only 80 walks in 438 innings. He was removed from his Tuesday start for Triple-A Tucson after pitching two scoreless innings.
Lilly began the season on the disabled list with a stiff neck and threw six innings in a rehab start last Sunday for High-A Rancho Cucamonga. Lilly is 10-4 lifetime against the Padres with a 2.68 ERA in 17 games (16 starts). Orlando Hudson is 4-for-23 (.174) against Lilly and Nick Hundley is 2-for-18 (.111) with 11 strikeouts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cameron Maybin was pulled in the ninth inning Friday after being hit on the left elbow by Todd Coffey earlier in the game.
2. Coffey is likely headed to the disabled list with a knee injury, clearing space on the roster for Lilly.
3. Hundley was given Friday's game off after going hitless in his first 24 plate appearances.