It was looking bleak for the San Diego Padres for a while there.
Sunday’s series finale began as a pitcher’s duel between Walker Buehler and St. Louis Cardinals starter Kyle Leahy. The latter managed to keep the Friars scoreless while Buehler pitched deeper but surrendered a two-run shot to Jordan Walker.
That seemed like it would be all the Red Birds would need as the Padres failed to capitalize on any of their opportunities. With the Cardinals elite closer, Riley O’Brien, coming in to finish out
the bottom of the ninth. (O’Brien would probably be considered the best closer in MLB if not for a guy named Mason Miller.)
Going into that game, the closer held the longest active streak in innings pitched without surrendering a home run (60 1/3). That all came to an end on a two-out, full-count splitter that Nick Castellanos sent into the left field bleachers to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth. The Friars finished it off in extra innings with a sacrifice fly from Manny Machado.
Sunday’s win helped salvage a split after San Diego dropped the first two games to the Cards. It gives them a bit of momentum heading into their series against the Milwaukee Brewers today.
Taking the mound
Brandon Sproat (MIL) v. Matt Waldron (SD)
Sproat came over from the New York Mets in the trade that sent starter Freddy Peralta to the club. He’s been thrust into a role that he likely wasn’t ready for yet. He’s struggled to a 5.87 ERA across seven appearances.
Still, Sproat is a young pitcher with an incredibly high ceiling. His last start against the Arizona Diamondbacks was impressive, with the righty going four scoreless innings while allowing only one hit. If he can repeat that performance, Sproat will go a long way toward redeeming his 2026 season.
Waldron has had similar issues, though he is on the other end of his career. He’s been a kind of veteran minor leaguer, spending seven seasons between the majors and minors. This may be his last start for the time being as Lucas Giolito has to be called up by May 16.
The knuckleballer had a difficult time his first two outings but has markedly improved in his most recent ones. He pitched five innings and surrendered three runs to the Chicago Cubs before following it up with five more innings of one-run ball against the San Francisco Giants. If Waldron can keep that pace, he could earn a roster spot if Buehler stumbles.
In his gem against the Giants, reliever Bradley Rodriguez pitched the first inning, serving as an opener before Waldron pitched in bulk relief. That formula worked so well that the Padres are going to go with it again today. It should hopefully give Waldron the ability to work deeper into the game.
Batter up!
Unfortunately, San Diego doesn’t have any experience against the rookie Sproat. That will give the Milwaukee starter somewhat of an advantage. But that has been the case for most of the year and it hasn’t helped Sproat’s run prevention all that much, so the Padres should be able to tag a few runs off of the right-hander.
Manager Craig Stammen seems likely to use a fairly standard lineup, with Jackson Merrill remaining in the leadoff spot. Xander Bogaerts has been on a tear lately and could bat higher as well.
- Jackson Merrill, CF
- Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
- Manny Machado, 3B
- Xander Bogaerts, SS
- Gavin Sheets, 1B
- Ramón Laureano, LF
- Miguel Andujar, DH
- Freddy Fermin, C
- Sung Mun-Song, 2B
With the off day yesterday, the starters will be out in full force. Andujar has seemed to serve as the regular DH lately, though his bat has cooled off recently.
Relief corps
With the Friars down two runs for most of the game, the club utilized most of its lower-leverage options. Ron Marinaccio covered two splendid innings before Bradgley Rodriguez pitched a scoreless ninth. Jeremiah Estrada came in to pitch the 10th and got two outs before Stammen turned to Adrian Morejon for the final out. That completed a scoreless outing from the ‘pen.
With the off day on Monday, San Diego will have all of their relievers available. But those who will be freshest are Jason Adam, Yuki Matsui, Adrian Morejon, Wandy Peralta and closer Mason Miller. Any of them could be turned to, though Matsui or Peralta will likely be out first if Waldron struggles early.
