Most teams played on Monday, but the San Diego Padres (24-29) and Miami Marlins (28-26) did not. They'll kick off their series against each other with this Tuesday tilt. San Diego won their most recent trip to Miami, in August 2022, but had lost the four prior games there. The NL Wild Card race is still completely open to anyone, so these games carry significance for the senior circuit's future. At 6:40 p.m. EDT, we'll get to see round one between the Padres and Marlins in loanDepot Park.
Remember when the Padres, led by a superstar offense, were destined to win the NL West in 2023 and challenge for the pennant? Well, the offense has not only underperformed but has been among the worst in the majors through two months. They're 24th in runs per game this season, an upgrade from where they began last week, thanks to a team batting average that's 29th. Their league-leading walk rate is negated by a poor strikeout rate and low slugging percentage. The team appears to be on the right track, even with Manny Machado out, but things have still been ugly in 2023.
San Diego's pitching has been admirable, as they're 10th in team ERA. The bullpen is sixth in ERA thanks to a top-five left-on-base percentage. The starters are only 14th in ERA, and Ryan Weathers has not helped that number in May. Both of his starts this month were ugly, resulting in nine allowed runs (eight earned) in 11.2 innings of work. Those starts were on the road, just as this one will be. His overall numbers on the year are still solid, but bouncing between the majors and Triple-A may be affecting his game this month.