The Arizona Diamondbacks made a significant trade last night that actually affected the starting rotation for this afternoon's game. Instead of sending left hander Joe Saunders to the mound, the Diamondbacks sent Saunders to the Baltimore Orioles for reliever Matt Lindstrom. Trevor Cahill will get the start in place of Saunders, and Edinson Volquez will be throwing for the Padres.
Cahill allowed four runs on seven hits and one walk in his last outing, which the Diamondbacks eventually won 6-5 over the Marlins Aug. 21. Since he did not figure in the win, Cahill will still be looking for his 50th career win today. Cahill is 9-10 on the season, with a 3.86 ERA in 25 starts.
Volquez is making his 27th start of the season for the Padres, getting his eighth win of the season in his last outing against the Pirates. He threw 6.2 innings, allowing just one run on five hits and three walks. Volquez struck out ten batters in the outing, which tied for his season best. Volquez is 8-9 this season, with a 4.18 ERA.
The Diamondbacks have been unable to defeat the Padres at home so far this year, losing five straight heading into today's game. The Diamondbacks are 4-9 in their last 13 home games, since they won eight straight July 6-24. The Padres have won the first two games of the series, and are on a six game win streak. They are looking for their fifth series sweep of the season, and second against the Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks will be looking to avoid their fourth sweep by an opponent this season.
Here are the rest of the starting lineups:
Padres:
Everth Cabrera (SS)
Will Venable (CF)
Chase Headley (3B)
Carlos Quentin (LF)
Yasmani Grandal (C)
Yonder Alonso (1B)
Mark Kotsay (RF)
Alexi Amarista (2B)
Edinson Volquez (P, 8-9, 4.18 ERA)
Diamondbacks:
Gerardo Parra (LF)
Aaron Hill (2B)
Justin Upton (RF)
Paul Goldschmidt (1B)
Miguel Montero (C)
Chris Young (CF)
Chris Johnson (3B)
Jake Elmore (SS)
Trevor Cahill (P, 9-10 3.86 ERA)