With pitching depth an issue, the San Diego Padres are putting their faith in a player that will be the oldest pitcher to make his major league depth in seven years. Jason Lane is back after a six-year hiatus and the road to the pitcher's mound has been an interesting one, including time spent as a big-hitting outfielder. However, now he returns to throw against the Atlanta Braves as the Padres hope to split the four-game series.
After spending time with the Houston Astros as an outfielder with 20-plus home run seasons, Lane signed a deal as a pitcher, eventually landing with the Padres and getting called up earlier in the season. After an injury to Ian Kennedy, the 37-year-old will get the start. While spending time in Triple-A, Lane was 6-8 with a 4.67 ERA in 19 starts. He will be tasked with calming down the Braves' inconsistent play at the plate that right now is hitting its stride.
The Braves currently sit 1 ½ games back from the Washington Nationals in the race for the National League East. They got production from Chris Johnson, Justin Upton and Ryan Doumit on Sunday and hope they can mimic the performance as Ervin Santana gets the start on the mound.
Santana is coming off an impressive start where he gave up just one run and struck out 10 over the course of seven innings against the Miami Marlins. Over his last five starts, he is 4-1 with a 3.15 ERA. He is helping lead the Braves in wins behind Julio Teheran and is 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in two starts against San Diego. The Braves are hoping a win against San Diego gives them momentum heading into a showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
