With their first win of the Spring in their back pockets, our Padres are back in Peoria today to face off against another NL West opponent, the Diamondbacks. In his second start of the Spring, Eric Stults will try to have a better outing than he did last Thursday, when he gave up three runs on three hits and a walk in two innings of work. As last season's innings workhorse and team pitching leader in wins (11), Stults is looking to once again make the rotation going into the regular season. Consensus seems to be that he will likely take up the last available spot in the rotation (otherwise filled by Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross, Josh Johnson, and Ian Kennedy), but there are differing opinions as to where in the rotation he will fit. As the only southpaw in the group, some think Buddy will fit him into the 3rd spot, behind Cashner and Ross, but others place him at the tail end of the rotation.
Opposing Stults on the mound for the Dbacks will be right-hander Randall Delgado. Bronson Arroyo was scheduled to start today, but was scratched with stiffness in his lower back. San Diego State Aztec-for-life Addison Reed, who was traded to Arizona from Chicago last December, will also get some mound time.
In non-pitching news, Carlos Quentin will make his Spring debut today. The oft-injured outfielder has come into camp this year feeling really optimistic and in good health, so hopefully that will keep up. I think he'll be avoiding the crazy diving catches, at least until the regular season Q will be batting cleanup against the Dbacks, with Everth Cabrera, Chris Denorfia, and Yonder Alonso making up the top of the order. We'll also see more of Jace Peterson, whom Buddy is a big fan of, at third base, hitting 8th in the lineup. Spring Training standout Tommy Medica isn't in the starting 9, so if he is to add to his 8-for-11 average, it will be off the bench.
As usual, you can catch the game via free audio webcast on padres.com or MLB.com, as well as through MLB At-Bat, and first pitch is set for 12:05.