Once again, we find ourselves facing the San Diego Padres, who have been trading off with the Rockies all season for saddest team on the planet. It seems like every series between these two teams comes down to who will walk away, heads held high, the proud owner of fourth place in the National League West. In this particular instance, the Pads hold that spot by 2 1/2 games. A sweep lifts the Rockies from last place. Can you stand the excitement?

No major lineup notes for the Rockies tonight; due to fellows on the disabled list, young guys are continuing to get a look at a variety of positions. Guys like Andrew Brown and Josh Rutledge need to make the most of this opportunity, and they need to do better than, say, Chris Nelson has done if they want to see time once the big boys come back.

Drew Pomeranz climbs the hill in San Diego tonight. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

As for the Friars, keep your eye on lead-off hitter Alexi Amarista, hitting .387 in his last 17 games. Carlos Quentin, on the other hand, one of the more feared hitters in the San Diego lineup, is batting .162 in his last 10 games. So … ? Anything goes tonight.

Dexter Fowler CF
Marco Scutaro 2B
Carlos Gonzalez LF
Michael Cuddyer 1B
Andrew Brown RF
Jordan Pacheco 3B
Wilin Rosario C
Josh Rutledge SS
Drew Pomeranz P

Alexi Amarista CF
Logan Forsythe 2B
Chase Headley 3B
Carlos Quentin LF
Chris Denorfia RF
Yasmani Grandal C
Yonder Alonso 1B
Everth Cabrera SS
Jason Marquis P

First pitch is 8:05 MDT from Petco Park in San Diego.