After what felt like an incredibly long wait, the San Diego Padres have finally won a series this month. After being outdueled in extras the previous night, the Friars walked off the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday afternoon thanks to a home run from Fernando Tatis Jr.
The offense looked much healthier in the series against Cincinnati, especially the San Diego stars. Tatis, Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado produced better than they have while role players like Samad Taylor and Will Wagner stepped up
in the last few games. It’s been a welcome sight.
With their sights now set on a struggling Baltimore Orioles club, the Friars hope to improve on their recent lousy stretch.
Taking the mound
Shane Baz (BAL) v. Griffin Canning (SD)
Baz was traded for this offseason by Baltimore as one of the many additions the club made to their organization. The pitching staff looks much more stable for years to come after he signed an extension with the O’s.
That said, he hasn’t looked that great on the mound this year. Through 13 starts, the righty owns a 4.09 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. It’s hardly the production a club wants from someone expected to be a front-line starter. He’s looked better in his last few games, giving up just four runs in his last 19 2/3 inning pitched.
Canning has certainly struggled in his tenure with San Diego. The right-hander has been saddled with a 6.34 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP through seven starts.
Beyond that, he hasn’t worked deep into games. Canning has average 4 2/3 innings across his starts in 2026. The Padres hope that he’ll pitch as good as he did against the New York Mets last week (1 ER, 5.0 IP).
Batter up!
It’s been easy to criticize the San Diego lineup lately. They’ve certainly struggled. But their recent turnaround has been fun to watch. It’s not like the Friar Faithful should expect a total 180, but the club seems to have sparked to life.
- Fernando Tatis Jr., 2B
- Jackson Merrill, CF
- Manny Machado, 3B
- Gavin Sheets, DH
- Samad Taylor, LF
- Ty France, 1B
- Jase Bowen, RF
- Freddy Fermin, C
- Sung-Mun Song, SS
Fermin’s homer streak ended at three games in spite of coming close in the 10th inning of Tuesday’s game against Cincinnati. He’s been on a tear this last week and will look to continue that.
Beyond that, Machado has been much better at making contact and putting balls in play. Apart from some tough moments in Tuesday night’s contest, he went 3-for-9 with two RBI in the Friars’ last two games.
Relief corps
Michael King did exactly what he needed to do on Wednesday. He kept the game close, giving up three runs while going 6 2/3 innings. It wasn’t a perfect outing by any means, but the bullpen needed it.
After Tuesday night’s 11 inning marathon, the Padres’ relievers had been heavily taxed. Only Ron Marinaccio and Wandy Peralta were available out of the ‘pen. They were the only two the Friars would need. The duo’s only blemish came on a solo shot that Marinaccio surrendered in the eighth.
That said, with the off day on Thursday, mostly everyone will be available. But the high-leverage options will be out in full force. Jason Adam, Yuki Matsui, Adrian Morejon, David Morgan, Mason Miller and Bradgley Rodriguez will all be options for manager Craig Stammen to turn to.
