San Diego @ Arizona preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 26, 2013 ) San Diego 1, Arizona 6

Ian Kennedy faces his former team for the first time Tuesday when the San Diego Padres continue their three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 28-year-old pitched nearly four seasons for Arizona, which stands six games behind Cincinnati in the race for the second National League wild card spot. “It’s going to be emotional for him,” Padres manager Bud Black said of Kennedy, who is 2-1 with a 3.20 ERA in four starts since being traded on July 31.

Lefty David Holmberg has been recalled to make his major-league debut for Arizona after scheduled starter Trevor Cahill tossed four innings in relief in Saturday’s 18-inning win over Philadelphia. Holmberg makes his debut one day after San Diego outfielder Reymond Fuentes was promoted to the majors Monday. The 22-year-old Fuentes, who was acquired from Boston in 2010 as part of the Adrian Gonzalez trade, hit .330 with 35 stolen bases in the minors this season.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Ian Kennedy (5-9, 4.65 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH David Holmberg (MLB debut)

Kennedy bounced back from a shaky outing with an impressive start against the Pirates last Wednesday, when he struck out eight over seven shutout innings. “I've faced him a lot with Arizona, and that's the best I've ever seen him,” said Pirates first baseman Garrett Jones. Kennedy has the fourth-most wins in the history of Chase Field, where he is 25-13 in 56 career starts.

Holmberg earned the spot start after going 5-7 with a 2.66 ERA in 25 starts for Double-A Mobile this season. The 22-year-old was a second-round pick in 2009 by the White Sox, who traded Holmberg and Daniel Hudson to Arizona in 2010 for Edwin Jackson. Holmberg allowed three hits over seven shutout innings last Wednesday against Double-A Jackson.

WALK-OFFS

1. Arizona 2B Aaron Hill is expected back in the starting lineup Tuesday after being limited the past two games with tightness in his groin.

2. Padres OF Will Venable has 34 hits in 22 games this month.

3. Diamondbacks 3B Martin Prado is hitting .365 (38-for-104) over his last 21 games.

PREDICTION: Padres 6, Diamondbacks 3