Scouting report: Cubs vs. San Diego Padres at Petco Park
By Bruce Miles
bmiles@dailyherald.com
Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres at Petco Park
TV:
NBC Sports Chicago Friday; ABC 7 Saturday; WGN Friday
Radio:
WSCR 670-AM
Pitching matchups:
The Cubs' Tyler Chatwood (3-5) vs. Clayton Richard (7-8) Friday at 9:10 p.m.; Kyle Hendricks (5-8) vs. Luis Perdomo (1-3) Saturday at 9:10 p.m.; Jon Lester (11-2) vs. Eric Lauer (5-5) Sunday at 3:10 p.m.
At a glance:
The Padres are last in the NL West with a run differential of minus-90 heading into Thursday night's game against the Dodgers. Former Cubs prospect Christian Villanueva led San Diego with 18 home runs and 42 RBI entering Thursday. Eric Hosmer led the Padres in on-base percentage (.324) and hits (89). Friday night's starter, Richard, pitched for the Cubs in parts of 2015 and 2016, earning a World Series ring for '16. The Padres entered Thursday at or near the bottom of the NL in the key offensive categories. The Cubs lead the league in runs scored, bating average and OBP. The Cubs have moved Lester's start to Sunday from Saturday, all but ruling him out of appearing in next Tuesday's All-Star Game.
Next:
St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field, Thursday-Sunday. Saturday is a day-night doubleheader.