San Diego @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 4, 2013 ) San Francisco 13, San Diego 5

With both teams out of playoff contention, fans may need a program for this weekend’s three-game series between the San Diego Padres and the host San Francisco Giants. Both managers figure to use their full rosters while giving their young players one last chance to impress before heading into the offseason. The series marks the final three games for veteran outfielder Mark Kotsay, who is retiring after a 17-year career, including two stints with San Diego.

The Padres have gone 1-5 at AT&T Park this season, but they’re hoping to build on a 3-2, 11-inning win over Arizona on Thursday. San Diego’s season has been derailed by injuries to starters such as Yasmani Grandal and Cameron Maybin, but second baseman Jedd Gyorko has been a bright spot while blasting 21 home runs to lead all major-league rookies. Reigning National League MVP Buster Posey is mired in a 5-for-42 slump for San Francisco, which has won eight of its last 12 games.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, FSN (San Diego), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Burch Smith (1-2, 5.87 ERA) vs. Giants RH Ryan Vogelsong (3-6, 5.90)

Smith continued to improve with a strong outing against the Dodgers last Saturday, when he yielded two runs on three hits over six innings. “I'm doing some good things, taking some steps in the right direction," said Smith, who has allowed four earned runs over his last 18 innings. The 23-year-old rookie, who is making his first career appearance against the Giants, has 38 strikeouts in his 30 2/3 innings.

Vogelsong has posted a 6.75 ERA while surrendering 37 hits in 26 2/3 innings over his last five starts, including a rough outing against the Yankees last Saturday. The 36-year-old is seeking his first win since Aug. 25 against Pittsburgh. Chase Headley is 4-for-11 with two homers against Vogelsong, who is 3-4 with a 5.96 ERA in 15 career games (seven starts) against San Diego.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres SS Ronny Cedeno has missed the past three games after being hit in the head by a Heath Bell pitch on Monday.

2. Giants 3B Pablo Sandoval missed Thursday’s 3-2 win over Los Angeles due to flu symptoms and is listed as day-to-day.

3. San Diego OF/1B Kyle Blanks could miss the series with nagging Achilles and shoulder discomfort.

PREDICTION: Padres 5, Giants 2