News
Padres looking for Young to work deep
San Diego (25-27) vs. Philadelphia (30-20), 7:05 p.m. PT
By Corey Brock / MLB.com
06/03/09 2:10 AM ET
SAN DIEGO -- To avoid being swept at PETCO Park in a series for the first time in 2009, the Padres will turn to Chris Young on Wednesday against the Phillies.After losing Jake Peavy after one inning Tuesday to a viral upper respiratory infection, the Padres had to go with their bullpen over the final eight innings.
That meant the Padres would like nothing more than to have Young, who will be making his 12th start of the year, work deep into the game.
Young has allowed two or fewer runs in each of his last three starts, posting a 1.89 ERA over that stretch. He's 2-0 with a no-decision in those three starts with 12 strikeouts in 19 innings.
He walked six in his last start May 29 against Colorado, but allowed one earned run in six innings. That he dealt with a tight strike zone during the game certainly didn't help.
"It was one of those nights where I had a lot of borderline pitches," Young said after that start. "This place [Coors Field] is tough. I have trouble with my grip. [The ball] doesn't come out consistently."
The Padres might be in for some lineup reshuffling depending on how outfielder Scott Hairston is feeling after straining his left biceps in Tuesday's game.
San Diego might also have to make some decision on Peavy, given that he's likely to start Saturday, unless the viral upper respiratory infection is so bad he can't make that start.
Pitching matchupSD: RHP Chris Young (4-3, 4.45 ERA)
In his last start -- in Colorado on Saturday -- Young allowed one earned run on two hits, but walked six -- his highest total in a start this season. The Padres didn't back Young with anything in the way of offense, as Jason Marquis tossed eight scoreless innings in a 3-0 Colorado victory. PHI: LHP J.A. Happ (3-0, 3.00 ERA)
Happ was effective in his last start against the Nationals on Friday. The left-hander allowed three hits and three earned runs in 5 1/3 innings. He was replaced by Chad Durbin with runners on first and second and one out, but Durbin couldn't hold them on. Happ was a little erratic with three walks and two hit-batsmen, but he did fan five and threw 62 of his 96 pitches for strikes. Tidbits
Triple-A Portland outfielder Will Venable hit two home runs Tuesday, giving him 12 this season. ... Reliever Mike Adams, who is on a Minor League rehabilitation assignment with Portland, is coming along nicely, according to Padres manager Bud Black. "We'll continue to watch him. We're going to make sure he's ready." Adams is currently on the 60-day disabled list. ... Shortstop Josh Wilson got his fourth consecutive start Tuesday. "He's a good defender. I think him and [Chris Burke] have gotten an opportunity to play some. As any player will tell you, it's good to play in consecutive games to get in the flow offensively. They've both filled in admirably." ... Josh Geer tossed one inning in relief Tuesday after Peavy departed his start with the upper viral respiratory infection. Geer still may start Saturday against Arizona. Tickets
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• XPRS 1090, XEMO 860 (Español) Up next
• Thursday: Off-day
• Friday: Padres (Chad Gaudin, 2-3, 4.76) vs. Diamondbacks (TBD), 7:05 p.m. PT
• Saturday: Padres (Josh Geer, 1-1, 5.17) vs. Diamondbacks (Max Scherzer, 2-4, 4.47), 7:05 p.m. PT
Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
