Free MLB Picks Today: San Diego Padres vs Seattle Mariners 6/7/23

The San Diego Padres (28-33) host the Seattle Mariners (30-30) at Petco Park on Wednesday with the visitors looking to sweep the two-game Interleague series. The Mariners took Tuesday’s series opener 4-1.

Logan Gilbert went seven innings, giving up one run on three hits, to get the win, and Paul Sewald picked up his 12th save with a scoreless ninth. Julio Rodriguez was 2 for 4 with a solo home run in the win. Teoscar Hernandez added a home run and two RBIs. Rougned Odor went 1 for 3 with a double and one run for the Padres.

ON THE MOUND

George Kirby (5-4, 3.04 ERA) is set to get the start for Seattle. The right-hander threw eight scoreless innings in his last start, a 1-0 home win over the Yankees on May 31. He scattered three hits while striking out seven in the no-decision.

Righty Michael Wacha (5-2, 3.48 ERA) gets the start for San Diego. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Mariners. Wacha made two appearances against the Mariners in 2022, both as the starter, striking out six and walking four over nine innings (0-0, 5.00).

In his last start on Friday, Wacha took the loss at home against the Cubs. He threw 4.2 innings and gave up two runs on three hits, striking out eight and walking five in the 2-1 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Seattle has averaged only 2.8 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.4, while slashing worse across the board (.213/.263/.293). Against right-handed pitchers like Wacha this season, the M’s have a .685 OPS.

J.P. Crawford is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a .831 OPS in 128 at-bats. San Diego is averaging only 2.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.1 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.205/.283/.333).

The Padres have a .669 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .968 OPS over 140 at-bats, Juan Soto has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Seattle is 13-15 in road games in 2023, scoring 4.4 runs per game while allowing 4.7 runs. San Diego has gone 14-18 at their home park this season, averaging 3.8 runs per game while surrendering 3.7.

The teams have split their last 10 meetings head-to-head at Petco Park, though San Diego has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 5.3-4.2.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Mariners are fourth in the AL West, 10 games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Padres are fourth in the NL West, eight games behind the Diamondbacks.