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San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs: June 29-July 1
#11 · June 30, 2026, 10:43 am
Quote from Jeremy Hill on June 30, 2026, 7:26 amQuote from fenn68 on June 30, 2026, 2:38 amOnly pushing over 2 runs (and had abundant opportunities) was the bigger issue yesterday ... don't score - don't win with any consistency. Last 3 games: 3-2-2 runs.
Also some bad defense from Taylor (lost FB) and two Machado (one error and one inexplicable play where he tried to tag a runner standing on 2B and as a result could not throw out the runner at 1B).
With all the recent commentary about burning out the bullpen because of starts not going deep into games, a bit surprised they pulled Canning after 4.1 innings (75 pitches). I know his track recored for the 3rd time through is bad and a run scoring situation with a strong hitter batting probably pushed that move in a close game but not helping the future.
Oddly a tough situation for Stammen ... hitters can't score but pitching is not allowing many runs so most games are close with a chance to win ... and trying to win ( each specific game) dictates pulling starters and deploying RP situationally. Pen will be ineffective by August at this rate (seeing some signs already). Padres need to win big or lose big in some games and let the SP just eat in to get a deep start.
Manny said after the game that he tagged Hoerner to keep him on second because third was uncovered. It looked weird and cost him the out at first, but I think it was actually a pretty heads up play on his part.
I agree with the concern over burning out the bullpen. I would also agree that it's already happening to some extent. Even our good starters are struggling to get past 5 innings. Our bad starters have been struggling while also generally leaving us in a hole. The bullpen has been covering a ton of innings. Still, I would argue that with where we are in the standings and the season it may be time to ask them to do even more to try to win a few more games. They need to survive long enough for the market to open up to give AJ a chance to potentially find some reinforcements for the rotation. I think leaning on the bullpen even harder in the short term could be the best option. I would also argue that our bullpen depth is much better than our starting depth.
That seems to be what Stammen is thinking ... get wins when you can and gamble that things will get better with down the road moves ... plus the All-Star breaks helps all.
#12 · June 30, 2026, 3:41 pm
Game 2 Lineup
1. Tatis 2B
2. Taylor LF
3. Machado 3B
4. Andujar DH
5. France 1B
6. Merrill CF
7. Bogaerts SS
8. Bowen RF
9. Fermin C
Sears P
#13 · June 30, 2026, 4:55 pm
Heard one report (not yet confirmed) that the wind is blowing out at Wrigley Field.
Sears is an extreme flyable pitcher.
This could be problem.
#14 · June 30, 2026, 5:42 pm
I’m convinced Freddy Fermin has no idea what a strike is
#15 · June 30, 2026, 7:15 pm
Woof!
Odds just increased on my projection of Sears being optioned and Marquez being activated later this week.
Now I will add a DFA of Marinaccio (or IL) who has been shaky all season and just zip tonight. Spot to see Waldron activated from rehab soon.
Given the short starts ... adding two SP (one for long relief) over a SP and RP might fit these arms. See what they have at the ML level before the return of Giolito as a SP option and Estrada, Morgan for the pen.
#16 · June 30, 2026, 9:04 pm
I will never understand why anyone would try to throw inside to Ty France! The dude will not move off the plate!😂😂😂
#17 · June 30, 2026, 9:06 pm
Nando has an outside shot of reaching double digit HR's before the break( another game in Wrigley and then...4?....in LA, where he thrives!).
Wouldn't have thought that possible 2 weeks ago.
#18 · June 30, 2026, 9:09 pm
Quote from MrPadre19 on June 30, 2026, 5:42 pmI’m convinced Freddy Fermin has no idea what a strike is
He started off the year so well!
I was going to mention Merrill in the same vein. I'm sure someone keeps a stat on this but just from a fans perspective, that kid looks at more early count strikes, and swings at more pitches off the plate, than anyone I can remember.
Do these guys get their eyes checked???
#19 · June 30, 2026, 10:36 pm
Sears, Marquez, Waldron, Canning, Giolito and Vasquez. It's all just shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic right now. None of them are getting the job done.
Fermin and Bogaerts both demonstrated what I was talking about when I was complaining about how terrible we are with challenges a few games ago. If you're going to challenge a 1-0 pitch with 1 out and nobody on in the 2nd inning you had better be damn sure you're right. If you're going to challenge a 3-0 pitch leading off the 4th after you've already lost one you had better be even more sure. Those just aren't big enough situations to warrant risking losing. We just don't seem to have any real strategy when it comes to making effective use of the system. Some games we blow them both in low impact situations like today. Others we sit on them all game and don't use them even in potentially pivotal situations. I'm starting to find it very frustrating.
Merrill has been doing his best 2022-23 Trent Grisham impression. Even that might be giving him too much credit. Grisham could at least draw the occasional walk. Merrill's approach is horrible.
They seem to be trying to turn Bowen into a platoon player. It's pretty clear that he has no business being in a major league lineup right now.
When the starting pitching was a little better we had no offense. Now the offense is a little better and the starters mostly suck. It's 1 step forward 2 steps back. This team is so consistently inconsistent. It's maddening.
#20 · July 1, 2026, 11:37 am
Hey Buehler!
Maybe don’t walk the #2 hitter after you have him down 0-2!