News
Carrillo to face Smoltz in Cards debut
San Diego (52-73) vs. St. Louis (71-54), 1:05 p.m. PT
By Corey Brock / MLB.com
08/23/09 2:30 AM ET
SAN DIEGO -- Cesar Carrillo, he of one career Major League victory, meets his polar opposite in Sunday's series finale between the Padres and the St. Louis Cardinals at PETCO Park. Carrillo, who earned his lone victory on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs, will not only be matched up against a Cardinals team that got home runs from Matt Holliday, Rick Ankiel and Colby Rasmus on Saturday, he'll be matched against Cardinals newcomer John Smoltz, who signed a deal with St. Louis earlier in the week. Smoltz, recently released by the Red Sox, has 212 career victories. Carrillo improved significantly on his first Major League start to earn the win against the Cubs, tossing six solid innings while yielding three runs on six hits. The 25-year-old right-hander struck out two and walked four batters. He allowed eight runs in 2 1/3 innings in his first start in Milwaukee on Aug. 13. "The first time, it was kind of jitters," Carrillo said. "Going to Milwaukee, it was just one of those things. Facing the Cubs, I was kind of like, 'Wow,' and kind of nervous as well. Going out there against my childhood team, growing up watching them, I knew I had to go out and make quality pitches and come out victorious." Nerves or not, Carrillo was able to soak in his first win in the big leagues after a long road since the Padres took him in the first round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft and injuries led to Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in 2007. "It feels great just to be out there competing," Carrillo said. "It's my first full year back and I'm finally healthy, and finally helping out the team." San Diego manager Bud Black saw improvement as well, but would like even more when Carrillo takes his next turn in the rotation. "Tonight, the ball-strike ratio wasn't there, it really wasn't," Black said. "I thought a couple of key at-bats in the game he had to get an out and he did. His changeup today was much better than it was in Milwaukee. He got some outs with it." Pitching matchupSD: RHP Cesar Carrillo (1-1, 11.88 ERA)
After serving up three home runs and eight runs in his debut, Carrillo held the Cubs to three runs on seven hits over six innings and kept the Padres in the game while Adrian Gonzalez put the club on top with his 33rd home run of the season. STL: RHP John Smoltz (2-5, 8.33 ERA)
The newest Redbird is taking over for Mitchell Boggs in the No. 5 spot. Smoltz had a tough go in the American League, but still there were some things to like. He tended to start strong before fading, which is not all that surprising given that he had shoulder surgery last year. And he was very tough on right-handed hitters, so if he can find something in his arsenal to neutralize lefties, he could be just fine. Tidbits
The San Diego Padres mourn the loss of the club's first Spanish broadcaster, Mario Thomas, who passed away on Friday in Tijuana at the age of 85. "The Padres are deeply saddened by the passing of former broadcaster Mario Thomas," said Padres president and COO Tom Garfinkel. "His time with San Diego helped open the doors of Major League Baseball for many Spanish-speaking broadcasters. Thomas' impact is still felt today by those who followed in his footsteps. He will be missed by all he influenced." Thomas called Padres games for 28 years from 1969-97 (excluding 1970). ... Pitcher Sean Gallagher, working his way back from a strained patella tendon of his left knee, will throw a bullpen session on Sunday and then leave for the Spring Training facility in Arizona, where he will go through a full workout program of fielding practice and bullpen sessions to throwing batting practice. He will likely join Class A Lake Elsinore for two rehab appearances on Sept. 2 before rejoining the Padres. ... Outfielder Brian Giles is still nowhere close to being ready to return this season, Black said. "I know that Brian wants to play," Black said. Giles will be a free agent after this season and there's a chance he might not get another at-bat. Giles is making $9 million this season. General manager Kevin Towers said the team won't likely release Giles before the season ends and could offer him arbitration if they think he'll qualify as a Type B free agent, meaning the Padres could recoup a draft pick if Giles signs elsewhere. ... The Padres' first-round pick, outfielder Donavan Tate, who signed Monday for a $6.25 million signing bonus, will have his professional debut delayed for an indefinite period of time due to an abdominal strain. Tickets
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• Monday: Off-day
• Tuesday: Padres (Mat Latos, 4-3, 4.82) at Braves (Jair Jurrjens, 10-8, 2.99), 4:00 p.m. PT
• Wednesday: Padres (Tim Stauffer, 1-6, 3.95) at Braves (Kenshin Kawakami, 6-9, 3.97), 4:00 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.
