The 3-7 Padres lost badly to the Mariners on Monday, and are struggling on offense with just 10 runs scored in 5 games. Their usually strong relief pitching has not been up to snuff, and relievers are managing an ERA of over 5.00 in their last 10 games. With considerable time spent on the IL, Clevinger, today’s Padres starter, has just 7 appearances this year, but has been regular in June with 4 starts. He was very sharp for the month with an ERA of just 2.40. His last outing was a very sharp 6 inning 6K shutout.

The Mariners had a good run at home and have won 6 of their last 7 games. They aren’t the best road team, nor have they hit right handers well recently. Injuries and suspensions have cut into their ranks, but they are getting solid pitching all around. Gilbert (9-3, 2.66) starts for Seattle. No one pitched better than him in April, but through May and June those shutouts and one run games have more often become 2 and 3 run outings. He gave up 4 runs over 6 innings in his last start. The opposition managed a .266 batting average against him in June.

I am on the Padres today. Last night's 8 runs might have been a one off for the Mariners; the M's scored just 5 runs in their previous 3 games. Clevinger has been a hot prospect lately. Gilbert's recent starts have been digressing. Look for the Padres to bounce back at home in Tuesday's matchup.