San Diego returns home after a seven-game road trip and are currently tied with the Dodgers for the NL West lead. Nick Pivetta is off to a great start at home this season, 1.69 ERA, while Dustin May has struggled on the road, 5.40 ERA. Despite having one of the best offenses in the league, Los Angeles has scored three runs, or less, in five of their last eight games. The Padres offense is in similar territory, scoring three runs, or less, in three straight while also in seven of their last 10 games. Both starters are backed by two bullpen with an ERA lower than four as well.
The Padres are 20-10 at home this season while starting pitcher Nick Pivetta has a 1.69 home ERA. Dodgers starter Dustin May has a 5.40 road ERA, too, while I trust the late-inning relievers from the Padres slightly more than the Dodgers. I'll take the plus money.
The San Diego bats have gone quiet and their numbers against righties have been particularly bad over the last 30 days. With that time frame in mind, Nick Pivetta has also regressed a bit since a torrid start to begin the season. Pivetta may still be solid, but the walks, hits and earned runs are rising and he now gets a Dodgers lineup that is producing far more than the Padres. I don't think Dustin May needs to be perfect to win this First Five play and I'm counting on the Dodgers to get a few runs off Pivetta.
Dustin May has been bad on the road and Nick Pivetta has ben a stud at home. The Friars are 20-10 in Slam Diego and the Dodgers are 16-16 on the road with just 4 wins in 11 games away from Chavez Ravine. Pivetta really excels at keeping the ball in the yard at home and Dodgers run production has been spottier than expected. I like the value here as well with Friars having superior pen. The Friars fare much better against righties and adept at winning low scoring games if that's how this goes.
The Dodgers designated Hernandez for assignment Monday.
Smith (neck) could take batting practice at some point this week, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Pivetta (forearm) threw off a mound Monday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Hurt was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday.
The Dodgers selected Barnes' contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday.
Tucker is not in the Dodgers' starting lineup against the Royals on Monday, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Campusano is not in San Diego's starting lineup against Milwaukee on Monday.
Bogaerts is not in the Padres' starting lineup against the Brewers on Monday.
The Dodgers recalled Halvorsen from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Pivetta (forearm) played catch at PetCo Park on Sunday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.
