After a few really frustrating games, tonight potentially could be really fun to watch as Joe Wieland makes his highly-anticipated return to Major League Baseball after more than two years.
Wieland made his big league debut on April 14, 2012. He made four more starts after that before suffering the injury that would eventually lead to Tommy John surgery. He didn't exactly have a lot of success in those first five starts, going 0-4 with a 4.55 ERA. Now he looks to get a fresh start after working his way back from surgery. It's been a long 28 months (to the day) since he last took the mound for the Padres and he's been itching to get back, as Friar Faithful have been itching for his return. This year he's split time between the Rookie League AZL Padres, Double-A Missions, and Triple-A Chihuahuas; pitching a total of 38 2/3 innings through nine starts.
On the hill for Colorado will be Jorge De La Rosa, who just agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Rockies. Tonight he looks to ride that high and expand on his six-game home winning streak. Unlike most pitchers, De La Rosa actually seems to throw better at Coors Field. Not only has he won six in a row there, but his 44 total wins there are more than any other pitcher. That Coors Field success includes a 5-0 record in his last seven home starts against the Padres. The most recent of those outings was back in May, when he one-hit San Diego without allowing a run through seven innings of work.
Watch as our Friars try to end their three-game losing streak and even up the series tonight behind Wieland. Game time is set for 5:10 PT.
And don't forget to check out today's SB Nation Fantasy Baseball league on FanDuel. It's $2 to join and first prize is $2,000. Use this link to join.