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Padres Aim to Defend Dominant Home Turf Against the Rays
Petco Park has been a fortress for the San Diego Padres so far in the 2025 season. With a stellar 12-1 home record, they’ve turned their downtown stadium into one of the most formidable venues in baseball. As they gear up for a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, that home-field advantage might be their biggest weapon—especially with a growing list of injuries.
Currently, the Padres are missing four starting players and a key backup outfielder, yet they’re still clinging to a narrow lead in the competitive National League West, just ahead of the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers.
This weekend, they’ll need the crowd energy and their pitching magic more than ever.
You can check the MLB team details here to see who’s in, who’s out, and how the Padres stack up overall.
Impact of Injuries and Padres’ Resilience
Jackson Merrill, Jake Cronenworth, and Luis Arraez are all on the injured list. That’s a significant chunk of San Diego’s offensive lineup. Still, the Padres have found ways to grind out wins, especially at home. Third baseman Manny Machado put it best:
“We know they’re coming back. It’s just a matter of keeping the boat afloat. We’ve been doing that. We’ve been playing really good baseball.”
Bumpy Road Trip, Bright Home Horizon
The Padres recently wrapped up a rough 2-4 road swing, scoring just 15 runs over six games. Their last outing? A 6-0 shutout loss in Detroit—their first of the season. It’s clear the bats are quieter without their starters, but returning to Petco Park could be exactly what they need.
For expert analysis on how San Diego’s current lineup affects their chances, check out the MLB Expert Betting Guide.
Pitching Duel: Michael King vs. Shane Baz
Right-hander Michael King (3-0, 2.57 ERA) gets the nod for San Diego. While he didn’t get the win last weekend in Houston, he looked sharp, allowing just two runs and striking out seven in 5.2 innings. King has only started once at home this season, but it was a gem—a complete-game shutout of the Rockies on April 13.
In 11 career appearances against the Rays (mostly as a reliever), King has a 1-1 record with a 6.38 ERA. Friday marks his first home start vs. Tampa Bay.
Rays Roll in With Shane Baz on the Hill
The Rays will counter with Shane Baz (2-0, 3.22 ERA), who’s had a bit of a rollercoaster season. He struggled in his last appearance, giving up five runs in 3.1 innings against the Yankees. Still, Baz has been striking out batters at an elite rate—30 Ks in just 22.1 innings.
He’s faced the Padres once before and came away with a win, allowing just two runs over five innings.
Want to dive into more numbers before placing a bet? Head over to the MLB Odds Page to get real-time updates and historical trends.
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Key Player Watch: Mangum Injury Hurts Rays
Rookie outfielder Jake Mangum won’t be in the lineup for Tampa Bay. He’s sidelined with a groin strain after hitting .338 with seven RBI and eight steals. His energy and hustle have been a big part of the Rays’ success this season.
Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash was clearly frustrated:
“I feel for Jake, because he was doing a lot of good things. Plays with a unique intensity that I think makes his teammates better.”
Rays Still Packing a Punch Offensively
Even without Mangum, the Rays’ offense is still fire. They’re top 10 in batting average, slugging, and on-base percentage, and they’ve shown clutch performance in extra innings. Most recently, they notched a 7-4 win in 10 innings against Arizona, highlighted by a two-run blast from Christopher Morel.
If you’re interested in how the Padres’ home success might impact your betting picks, don’t miss the updated MLB Pick Page.
FAQs About Padres vs Rays Series
How have the Padres performed at home this season?
They’re 12-1 at Petco Park and have six home shutouts already, making it one of the most dominant home records in MLB.
Who’s the starting pitcher for the Padres?
Michael King, who’s 3-0 with a 2.57 ERA, will start for the Padres on Friday night.
Is Jake Mangum playing for the Rays?
No, Mangum is out with a groin injury. His absence is a blow to Tampa Bay’s outfield and overall offensive spark.
How have injuries impacted the Padres?
They’re missing four starters, but their depth and home-field momentum have helped them stay atop the NL West.
Which pitcher has the edge: Baz or King?
Both are strong, but King has momentum and a solid record at home, while Baz has the strikeout power to change the game.
Where can I find expert MLB betting tips?
You can visit the MLB Expert Betting Guide for deep dives, trends, and advice from seasoned pros.
