SAN DIEGO -- The Padres are back at Petco Park to start a four-game set against the Colorado Rockies starting Thursday night.
After a lackluster 2-4 start through two home series versus the Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants, the Brown and Gold managed to pull off a successful road trip, taking four of six contests on the road over the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates. Back at .500 and with momentum, San Diego looks to capitalize on a seven-game homestand before heading back on the road for 10 days.
Randy Vásquez will look to set the tone against veteran Jimmy Herget and the Rox in the series opener. Through two starts to begin the campaign, Vásquez's reinvention has been the center of conversation. The right-hander owns a 0.75 ERA with 11 strikeouts across 12 innings pitched. The biggest key to a good start on Thursday for Vásquez will be his ability to limit walks to Rockies hitters.
Vásquez dealt with lots of traffic on the base paths last season, walking 52 batters in 26 starts. Keeping his command sharp and in-check will be a focal point from here on out.
Will Nick Castellanos see more at-bats?
When the Padres signed Nick Castellanos in mid-February, they were looking at a very low-risk, high-reward situation. The veteran slugger, who has seen many high leverage at-bats in his career and was an everyday regular for the Philadelphia Phillies from '22 to '25, is settling in to his new role in America's Finest City.
On the recent trip through Boston and Pittsburgh, Castellanos delivered five crucial RBIs across three of San Diego's four wins. The biggest two came during a three-run fourth inning rally against the Red Sox on April 5 in which he lined a two-out hit into left field, sparking an eventual 8-6 comeback victory for the Padres.
His two-run double in Wednesday's rubber game against the Pirates broke a scoreless tie in the seventh, leading to what was a late eight-run attack from the Friars offense.
In other words, he's been clutch.
For a San Diego lineup that has immensely struggled to score runs early and often through the season's first 12 contests, Castellanos' bat has been a difference maker in at least a few of those. Which is why he'll be the starting designated-hitter in Thursday's series opener versus Herget. There's no doubt he's earning his playing time.
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Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Apr 4, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) reacts after defeating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The Friar Faithful who will gather at Petco Park for the next seven ballgames will be through-the-roof eager for a chance to hear the opening riffs to Korn's 'Blind' heading into the top of the ninth inning. Arguably the sport's best relief pitcher and closer, Mason Miller, is on a run of dominance only few have managed to pull off.
In just 5 1/3 innings thrown this early season, 'The Reaper' has collected 13 punch outs and four saves as the Padres' full-time closer.
Mason Miller, 100.5mph Fastball (called strike) and 96.1 mph Changeup (swinging K), Individual Pitches + Overlay.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 4, 2026
"Swing decisions" are easier when you're sitting on your couch. https://t.co/nbIi6lhIO3 pic.twitter.com/VCO71VyR7q
Since being acquired by San Diego at the '25 trade deadline, Miller has allowed just eight hits in 28 2/3 innings. The last time he allowed a run? August 5 of last season when he surrendered two to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He owns a mind blowing 0.77 ERA with 58 strikeouts as a Padre.
A true spectacle to look forward heading to a ninth inning in the Gaslamp Quarter.
An homage to our past and those we've lost
The Padres' newest City Connect uniforms were unveiled early Thursday morning and will make their on-field debut Friday. Marigold and obsidian follow the pink and teal in this second iteration of San Diego's Nike swagger. The Dia de los Muertos inspired uniforms pay tribute to Mexican rooted culture, the franchise's former colors worn in the 90s, and beloved figures who helped shape the identity of San Diego baseball.
Two countries. Two cultures. Together as one. pic.twitter.com/z2dX4w3HOd
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) April 9, 2026
“We like to always have Padres gold somewhere in the uniform, because that's the anchoring color across all of our uniforms,” said Padres CEO Erik Greupner at a reveal event Thursday. “So, to sublimate the petals and the marigold with the Padres gold, those two colors sort of were in from the start,” he added.
The uniforms will be worn every Friday home game throughout the regular season.