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Padres rest key starters after clinching top Wild Card spot

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Jacob Hardin | Last updated Sep 28, 2024 7:26 PM ET

After securing the top Wild Card spot on Friday, the San Diego Padres are taking a cautious approach, opting to rest four key starters as they face the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 2 of their three-game series.

Notably absent from the Padres’ lineup are Fernando Tatis Jr., Luis Arraez, Jackson Merrill, and Jake Cronenworth, who collectively boast eight All-Star appearances. While it’s no surprise given the Padres have nothing left to play for, Arraez has something personal at stake—the National League batting title. Currently holding a .314 average, he leads Shohei Ohtani (.309) by a slim margin. Ohtani has been on a tear lately, collecting 24 hits in his last eight games, and could still overtake Arraez. Regardless of Saturday’s results, Arraez is expected to start on Sunday, and if Ohtani surpasses him, Ohtani could clinch the Triple Crown as he also leads the league with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs.

With several regulars resting, San Diego will start Nick Ahmed for the first time since he signed a minor league deal on September 1st. Ahmed’s appearance will mark his fourth different NL West team since last September, having previously played for the Giants, Dodgers, and Diamondbacks, who released him last year.

Saturday vs. the Snakes pic.twitter.com/UiP9FBPmw6

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 28, 2024

Another former Diamondback, David Peralta, will start in left field for the Padres. Last year, during the NLDS, Peralta faced boos at Chase Field.

On the mound, San Diego will turn to 25-year-old Randy Vasquez, who enters with a 5.18 ERA and a 4-7 record in 19 starts this season. His last outing on August 31st was a rough one, as he gave up nine earned runs on 11 hits in 4.1 innings. Vasquez has faced Arizona three times in his career, allowing seven earned runs over 15.2 innings. The D-backs are 1-1 against him this season.

For Arizona, a win on Saturday against a depleted Padres lineup would greatly improve their chances of securing a postseason berth. While 10 different scenarios could still lead to the Diamondbacks making the playoffs, a victory would put them in an excellent position heading into the season finale.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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