Pittsburgh @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 19, 2013 ) Pittsburgh 3, San Diego 1

A.J. Burnett aims to build on Francisco Liriano’s dominating effort when the Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series Tuesday against the host San Diego Padres, who have lost four of six. Liriano and two relievers combined to record 17 strikeouts in Monday’s 3-1 victory, which kept Pittsburgh one game ahead of St. Louis in the National League Central. Pedro Alvarez blasted his National League-leading 31st home run, while Andrew McCutchen tallied his sixth multiple-hit game in his last eight contests.

Padres outfielder Will Venable was named NL Player of the Week on Monday, but the news wasn’t as good for two of his teammates. Center fielder Cameron Maybin has left his minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Tucson to have his right knee re-evaluated, and left fielder Carlos Quentin’s sore right knee could force him to miss the rest of the season. “Right now, he’s not making the progress we had hoped for,” said manager Bud Black.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN (San Diego)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH A.J. Burnett (5-8, 3.18 ERA) vs. Padres RH Tyson Ross (3-5, 2.62)

Burnett has struggled in two starts since tossing a complete game Aug. 4 against Colorado. The 36-year-old posted a 2.08 ERA in five starts in July, but he’s allowed 11 runs in his last two starts covering 10 innings. Burnett is 1-5 with 4.93 ERA in seven career starts against the Padres, including 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA in two outings last season.

Ross has been outstanding since rejoining the rotation July 23, going 3-1 with a 1.32 ERA in five starts. The 26-year-old is making a strong bid to begin next season in the rotation while posting a 36-to-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his last five outings. He is 0-1 with a 1.97 ERA in 12 appearances (three starts) at Petco Park.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh LF Starling Marte missed Monday’s game with a right hand contusion and is listed as day-to-day.

2. Padres closer Huston Street has converted eight straight save opportunities and made 14 consecutive scoreless appearances.

3. Pirates LHP Wandy Rodriguez (left forearm) said he “didn’t feel 100 percent” after throwing a bullpen session Monday, but intends to continue his rehab with a simulated game Thursday.

PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Padres 2