What happened: The San Diego Padres announced LHP Wandy Peralta will start tonight’s series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals. Peralta, primarily a reliever this season, takes the mound as San Diego arrives for the start of a multi-game set.
Why it matters: Starting Peralta provides the Padres with a left-handed matchup against a Cardinals offense averaging 4.6 runs per game. St. Louis (38-31) enters the series just one game ahead of San Diego (37-33) in the National League standings, making this a pivotal mid-season series for wild card positioning.
By the numbers: Peralta holds a 2.18 ERA and 1.42 WHIP through 33.0 innings this season. The Padres have won three of their last five games and outscored opponents 26-21 in that span.
What to watch: First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 PM ET as the two teams meet for the first time since early May.