Chicago @ San Diego preview
Petco Park
Last Meeting ( Apr 20, 2011 ) San Diego 5, Chi. Cubs 4
THE STORY: After battling the wild-card hopeful St. Louis Cardinals over the weekend, the Chicago Cubs are likely to find things much calmer when they begin a season-ending three-game series against the host San Diego Padres on Monday. The Padres have won six of their last nine, but they were shut out 3-0 by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, WGN, Channel 4SD
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Casey Coleman (3-8, 6.64 ERA) at Padres RH Mat Latos (8-14, 3.60 ERA).
Coleman had his best start of the season last Monday, giving up one run on two hits over six innings while striking out a season-high eight batters against the Milwaukee Brewers. He was 5-2 with a 3.65 ERA at Triple-A Iowa this season.
Latos allowed one run with nine strikeouts over 8 2/3 innings against the Colorado Rockies last Tuesday. With the victory, he has gone at least six innings in 10 consecutive starts and at least seven in four straight. He’s also struck out eight batters or more in four straight outings.
ABOUT THE CUBS (70-89): Third baseman Aramis Ramirez (quad) will likely miss his fifth straight game Monday, but he could return Tuesday. If the Cubs pick up his option for 2012, Ramirez has indicated that he’ll decline and become a free agent. Florida has been mentioned as a possible destination for Ramirez, who is batting .306 with 25 home runs and 92 RBIs. Shortstop Starlin Castro recorded his 200th hit of the season on Friday to become the youngest Cubs player ever to reach that mark. After going 1-for-4 on Sunday, Castro is batting .307 with 10 home runs. Cubs hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo said Castro could eventually hit for more power and bat second or third in the order. Castro has reached base safely in a career-high 37 consecutive games while primarily hitting leadoff this season.
ABOUT THE PADRES (69-90): Tim Stauffer (forearm) threw a bullpen session Saturday, but it’s possible he’ll miss his second straight start Tuesday. Anthony Bass would make his third start this season if Stauffer is unable to pitch. While Stauffer is considered a key part of next year’s rotation, things aren’t quite as clear for Wade LeBlanc, who had a career-high 10 strikeouts on Friday. LeBlanc, who is 4-6 with a 4.83 ERA, became the Padres’ first pitcher this season with 10 strikeouts. With Aaron Harang expected back, LeBlanc could begin next season in the minors. Jesus Guzman, who missed most of the past week with a sore neck, has hit .464 with runners in scoring position since the All-Star break to lead the majors. Given Anthony Rizzo’s struggles this season, the Padres may have Guzman start next season at first base until Rizzo is deemed ready.
FINAL PITCH: The Padres lead the majors in stolen bases with 166. That number is also the most for San Diego in a season since 1999.