Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 17

David Backs Under 10.5 Runs in Padres-Royals Game on MLB’s Lowest-Scoring Offense

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 17

David Backs Under 10.5 Runs in Padres-Royals Game on MLB’s Lowest-Scoring Offense

Q: Will the Padres' historic offensive failure force them to become buyers or sellers at the trade deadline?

The Padres are more likely to be cautious buyers than outright sellers, unless their next stretch of games pushes them clearly out of the Wild Card race. Their offense has been bad enough to force a deadline decision. San Diego ranks at or near the bottom of MLB in batting average and runs scored, and the problem is not just bad luck in one series. Key hitters, especially Manny Machado and Jake Cronenworth in run-scoring spots, have underperformed badly, leaving a talented roster stuck around .500. That has led A.J. Preller to publicly say both buying and “another direction” are on the table. Still, the stronger evidence points to buying if they remain close in the standings. They are not buried like Kansas City, and they are only a few games out of a playoff spot. Preller has a long history of adding at the deadline, the Padres’ expensive core is difficult to move, and the club’s bullpen and top-end pitching give them a plausible path if the offense normalizes. Their bigger practical need may actually be starting pitching, with injuries to Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta, though a left-handed bat and catching depth also fit. Selling remains possible, but mostly as a fallback if the team fades during this decisive road trip. In that case, San Diego does not have many obvious sell-off pieces beyond controllable relievers or a headline asset such as Mason Miller, which would be a major organizational choice. So the offense is forcing action, but not yet forcing a sell-off.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 17

Under 10.5 runs is David’s recommended play for the Padres-Royals matchup, with no side bet because he sees a plausible case for either team.
San Diego enters with MLB-worst marks of a .226 batting average and 379 runs scored, while Kansas City ranks just 20th in runs, pointing to limited offensive firepower on both sides.
Michael King gives the Padres a steadier arm at 6-7 with a 3.41 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, and Royals hitters are batting only .194 against him in 31 at-bats.
Seth Lugo is 3-6 with a 4.56 ERA and 1.43 WHIP, but his 3.83 home ERA and the Padres’ weak lineup support the case that both starters can keep scoring down.
David said the total looks about two runs too high and plans a multi-unit wager after cashing a first-five innings Padres play before the All-Star break.