It took a while for the Padres’ bats to heat up this season, but we’re finally starting to see signs of a healthy order as the calendar turns to May.
And I wouldn’t be surprised to see another power surge on Monday in a favorable spot against the Reds.
San Diego’s star-studded lineup got off to a curiously slow start over the first month of the season, and that continued even after installing MVP candidate Fernando Tatis Jr. atop the order on April 20.
Still, the team scored at least five runs in four of his first six games back, even if the heart of the order wasn’t doing much of the damage.
Then came this weekend’s record-setting series in Mexico City, when the Padres and Giants combined for some of the best offensive numbers we’ve seen in MLB history.
Though the elevation surely played a major role there, the Padres’ key hitters still flew past their projected totals even accounting for the power-happy environment.
Now they’ll have a chance to tee off against journeyman Luke Weaver, who’s already allowed a whopping five home runs in just 11 ²/₃ innings this season.
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He’s surrendered at least four earned runs in each of his two starts this season — first against a Pirates lineup missing Oneil Cruz before giving up six runs against the Rangers sans Corey Seager.
San Diego won’t be short of firepower on Monday. Expect it to take full advantage.
Padres vs. Reds pick
Padres team total Over 5.5 runs (+110, PointsBet).