OFFENSE? WHERE IS THE OFFENSE?
One of the key reasons the Padres have struggled in 2017 is their offense. As a team, their slash line of .235/.301/.404 is dead last in batting average and on-base percentage. With 150 homers, the slugging percentage is 12th in the National League.
Did we mention who starts for Washington this weekend? Throw in a decent Edwin Jackson and the Padres will have their hands full.
Before you get giddy and think easy sweep, the Nats offense has fallen a notch or two with all the injuries. Sure, all things are relative, but as a team this month before Wednesday’s loss to the Angels, Washington’s OBP was .325. The lowest since May.
San Diego’s pitching is not good. The Pads team ERA of 4.74 is third-worst in the NL despite allowing less hits than innings pitched. The difference is the long ball. Padres’ pitchers have allowed 165 home runs while their hitters have slammed 150.
With Ryan Zimmerman and Anthony Rendon hitting for power again, things look good this weekend.
Something to keep in mind when you snuggle to watch these games, Washington hits .223 as a team in losses. Not good numbers. In losses, they average 2.89 runs per game.