The San Diego Padres recently placed starting pitcher Nestor Cortes on the 15-day IL on Friday. The lefty is dealing with left bicep tendinitis, which could certainly end his season.
Starting pitching had already been a talking point for the club during their recent rough stretch. They have gone 2-8 over their past 10 games, and their team ERA during that stretch was 5.40.
Needing another starting pitcher, the Padres called up Randy Vasquez. In a corresponding move, the team optioned Sean Reynolds to Triple-A El Paso.
Vasquez will get the start for San Diego on Saturday for their night game against the Colorado Rockies. All eyes will be on him as he returns and tries to get San Diego back into the win column.
The Padres lost a golden opportunity to cut the Dodgers’ divisional lead on Friday
San Diego currently finds themselves in an intense battle with the Los Angeles Dodgers for control of the National League West. The Blue crews hold a two-game lead going into Saturday’s games.
The Padres missed a golden opportunity to cut into that lead on Friday with their 3-0 loss over the Rockies. Los Angeles also lost their game to the Baltimore Orioles, keeping the divisional lead at two.
They must take advantage of these series against poorly-performing teams to close out the regular season. They finish out this series against the Rockies, before having another one against them next Thursday, and then a series against the Chicago white Sox toward the end of the month.
