LEADING OFF: Struggling Padres face Braves, Buxton OK

A look at what's happening around baseball Sunday:

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FLOUNDERING FATHERS

The Padres' hopes of shaking off a disappointing 2021 aren't off to a great start — San Diego has lost four of five heading into a series finale against the World Series champion Braves.

After pitching six no-hit innings on opening day, Yu Darvish (0-1, 10.75) was torched by the Giants in his last start, allowing nine runs in 1 2/3 innings. He'll face right-hander Bryce Elder (1-0, 4.76), making his second big league start.

GOOD NEWS

The Twins breathed a sigh of relief Saturday when an MRI on Byron Buxton’s injured right knee didn’t find any structural issues.

Manager Rocco Baldelli said that a team doctor would examine Buxton but that for now the Twins anticipate he’ll be traveling with the team for the next series at Kansas City, which begins Tuesday.

Buxton left in the first inning of Minnesota’s series-opening 8-4 win over Boston on Friday night after sliding roughly into second base. His left leg appeared to get caught underneath him while his right foot slammed into the bag.

IT WAS GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN

Two star players in new places this season wrap up weekend series against their original teams.

Matt Chapman and the Blue Jays host the Oakland Athletics, who traded the slick-fielding third baseman to Toronto a month ago. Chapman hit a two-run homer in Saturday’s loss to the A’s. Before the game, Athletics manager Mark Kotsay and first base coach Eric Martins presented Chapman with his 2021 Gold Glove award. Martins coached Oakland’s infielders last season.

And at Coors Field, Kris Bryant and the Colorado Rockies face the Chicago Cubs. Bryant spent his first 6½ seasons with the Cubs, winning an NL MVP award and leading them to a World...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-Struggling-Padres-face-Braves-17085907.php