The 2-8 Reds are presently sitting 29th and 30th in team pitching and hitting respectively. The Padres aren’t off to the best of starts but are mid-pack or better in the same categories. Padres starter and recent pick-up Sean Manea has two starts under his belt. One was very good and the other was remarkable; 7 innings of shutout ball.

He faces promising Reds youngster Nick Lodolo, who bombed in his MLB debut, lasting 4 innings with very mixed results. Lodolo won’t be on a very long leash, which is bad news for the Reds as the relievers have struggled.

The Reds are on a sizable losing streak with just one of their eight losses being close. Manaea will likely pitch long if his first two starts are anything to go by, and he is not the starter that a struggling team wants to face. I think the Padres will win this one handily, lighting up the Reds pen if not Lodolo. I am a bit gun-shy of the spread after tanking twice on Sunday. Take the Padres to win.