Buddy’s Bullets, 5/23/2014
By Friar Wire
Padres manager Bud Black returned Friday (he attended younger daughter Jessie’s graduation from the University of Maryland Thursday) in time for the second game of the Padres-Cubs series at Petco Park. The Padres will be wearing brown jersey tops Friday night as part of “Retro Weekend” and the celebration of the 1984 season.
Had things turned out differently in the 1984 playoffs, San Diego State grad Black might have faced the Padres in the World Series. Black was a starting pitcher for Kansas City in 1984. The Royals were swept in the American League Championship Series by the Detroit Tigers, who defeated the Padres in the World Series.
Right-hander Tim Stauffer will make his first Major League start since May 14, 2012, Friday night against Cubs right-hander Edwin Jackson (3–3, 3.98 ERA).
- Stauffer will be limited to around 60 pitches Friday night, meaning the Padres will probably also use Donn Roach in relief. Roach, who started in Andrew Cashner’s spot in Denver last Sunday, had been penciled in to start Saturday night’s game against the Cubs.
- Saturday night’s starter will likely be right-hander Billy Buckner, who was 3–2 with a 2.89 earned run average with Triple-A El Paso. He was in the Padres clubhouse Friday, although he wasn’t activated for Friday night’s game. Saturday is Buckner’s regular day to pitch.
- Roach, meanwhile, is likely returning to the bullpen. “right now, we like Roach more in the bullpen,” said Black.
- Carlos Quentin might be available to pinch hit Friday night. He was expected to jog on the field before the game to test his injured groin. “There’s an outside chance we could see Carlos in a hitting role tonight,” said Black.
Tune into FOX Sports San Diego or The Mighty 1090 as we continue the ’84 celebration at 7:10p.m.
