This is an 8* PITCHER MISMATCH on the Padres.

I think San Diego is worth laying the mid-sized price at home and in this spot. Minnesota just took three of four from the Rangers over the weekend, but dropped the final 6-5 last night.

After this difficult IL road series, the Twins return home for nine straight games. I say this is a natural letdown spot here, despite the Twins being still in a tight Wild Card race.

San Diego is also in a race, and despite losing two of three at Colorado this weekend, the Padres still sit only three games back of the Dodgers for the division lead.

The bottom line here though is that this is a big starting pitching matchup, that I think the home side will take advatage of.

The visitors go with rookie right-hander Zebby Matthews (1-0, 3.60 ERA), who looked decent in his MLB debut last Tuesday, giving up two runs over five innings in a victory over the Royals.

He's in way over his head here though on the road throwing opposite Michael King (10-6, 3.19), who is off a win vs. the Pirates on Tuesday, going six scorless and striking out ten.

He's faced Minnesota four times and owns an elite 2.45 ERA as well.

I say it's the Twins that take a mental night off here and it's the Padres that step up and take advantage.

Lay the price, the play is on the PADRES.

Good luck, NP