While both of these franchises entered 2023 with postseason expectations, the San Diego Padres (44-50) have not lived up to them, while the Toronto Blue Jays (53-41) are just beginning to take flight. After a day off on Monday, they'll cross paths to begin a three-game set on Tuesday night. It will mark the first meeting between these teams since 2019. Rogers Centre is the venue, so this game won't get canceled unless ice manages to damage the roof again. That's highly unlikely in July, so anticipate a 7:07 p.m. EDT first pitch.
Dropping three straight to the Phillies left the Padres 8.0 games out of a playoff spot to begin the new week. With July ending in two weeks, San Diego is going to have some tough decisions at the trade deadline. Talent isn't an issue on paper, but in practice, this offense has underwhelmed, hence the losing record. Even with 6.17 runs per game in July, second in the league, San Diego is still averaging only 4.5 per game (16th) this season. An MLB-best walk rate and top-10 homer count aren't enough to offset a .234 batting average (23rd). They have the ninth-most steals too, and a middling strikeout rate, so plenty is going right. However, getting hits, especially with a chance to drive in runs, has eluded this team for most of the season. A hot July may prove to be too late.
Pitching has primarily kept the Padres competitive. The rotation in particular has been one of baseball's best, and Joe Musgrove is a key piece to that puzzle. Since June began, Musgrove owns a 1.84 ERA in eight starts. The Padres have gone 6-2 in those outings. He hit four batters in his last outing, a concerning sign regarding his command, but has otherwise been tough to crack. San Diego has won his last three road starts, so they're certainly hoping for more Musgrove magic.