NewsFriars hope reinforcements return soon
San Diego (33-41) vs. Houston (35-38), 7:05 p.m. PT
By Daniel Paulling / MLB.com
06/29/09 1:21 AM ET
ARLINGTON -- Help is on the way for a Padres rotation that has been decimated by injuries. The team started the season with Jake Peavy, Chris Young, Kevin Correia, Shawn Hill and Walter Silva as its five starters. Only Correia hasn't hit the disabled list at some point this season, while three of those five are on the disabled list right now. And that doesn't even count Cha Seung Baek, who was scheduled to begin the season in the Padres' rotation but was placed on the disabled list with a strained forearm before he could even pitch in a game. Their starting rotation has posted a 5.03 ERA (231 earned runs over 413 innings pitched) this season. "We can just keep going out there with the five best in the organization at any given time," manager Bud Black said. "Injuries are a part of the game, no doubt." Peavy is scheduled to be examined by Dr. Steven Copp of the Padres' medical staff on Tuesday. If that goes well, the 2007 National League Cy Young Award winner could begin a rehabilitation assignment in three weeks. The Padres are taking a cautious approach with Young, who has been out since June 19 with a strained right shoulder. Black expects Young to return soon after the All-Star break. Baek will rejoin the team in San Diego on Monday and throw off a mound. If that goes well, he could begin a rehabilitation assignment in two weeks. Pitching matchupSD: RHP Josh Geer (1-2, 5.86 ERA)
Geer took his second no-decision in as many starts last Wednesday against the Mariners, allowing three earned runs over six innings. He was hurt by a three-run home run in the second inning, though allowing just one home run was a marked improvement from Geer's previous two starts, when he allowed a combined six home runs. Geer struggled with the movement on his two-seam fastball early in the game, which led to an uncharacteristic two walks. "It still hurts to give up home runs," said Geer, who has allowed 17 home runs in 70 2/3 innings. "It's the worst thing you can do. You never want to give up a three-run home run. They can kill you." HOU: RHP Roy Oswalt (3-4, 4.30 ERA)
Oswalt, coming off a complete-game loss at Minnesota on June 19, pitched well and took a no-decision last Wednesday against the Royals. Oswalt held Kansas City to seven hits and one run and struck out eight batters in six innings, leaving the game for a pinch-hitter in the sixth. Oswalt has allowed one earned run in three of his past five starts. He is 9-2 with a 2.87 ERA in 14 career appearances against the Padres, including 12 starts. He's 2-1 with a 3.09 ERA in four career starts at PETCO Park. Tidbits
Manager Bud Black wasn't certain of Will Venable's status before Sunday's game. Venable was scratched from Friday's game against the Rangers due to a sore left wrist. ... Luke Gregerson is expected to throw a bullpen session on Monday. ... The Padres have had players miss 528 games on the disabled list this season. Players missed a total of 280 games in 2007 and 437 in '04. ... Black said catcher Nick Hundley has only made minimal progress in his return from a sprained left wrist. ... The Padres are 3-4 on Mondays this season. Tickets
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• Tuesday: Padres (Josh Banks, 0-0, 2.84) vs. Astros (Mike Hampton, 4-5, 4.70), 7:05 p.m. PT
• Wednesday: Padres (Walter Silva, 0-1, 9.35) vs. Astros (Brian Moehler, 4-4, 6.05), 7:05 p.m. PT
• Thursday: Padres (Kevin Correia, 5-5, 4.23) vs. Astros (Wandy Rodriguez, 6-6, 3.35), 12:35 p.m. PT
Daniel Paulling is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
