San Diego Padres vs Atlanta Braves

San Diego Padres at Atlanta Braves (2026-07-21). Walker Buehler vs Reynaldo López at Truist Park.

Starters — Buehler enters with a 5.36 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 89 innings, with 8.19 K/9, 3.54 BB/9, and 1.21 HR/9. His last three starts were rough: 2.0 IP, 4 ER, 1 K, 4 BB on July 11; 5.0 IP, 7 ER, 4 K, 1 BB on July 6; and 4.0 IP, 9 ER, 6 K, 4 BB on July 1. The recent trend is pointing the wrong way, with 20 earned runs allowed across those three outings. López has a 3.50 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 61.2 innings, with 7.88 K/9, 3.65 BB/9, and 1.17 HR/9. His last three starts were steadier: 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 3 K, 1 BB on July 11; 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 K, 2 BB on July 6; and 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 K, 1 BB on July 1. His trend is up, driven by two strong starts before the most recent outing.

Teams — San Diego has a .683 OPS, 407 runs scored, a .228 average, and a pitching staff with a 4.22 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. The Padres are 5-5 over their last 10, and the profile points to a below-average offense paired with a middle-tier run prevention group. Atlanta brings a .734 OPS, 492 runs scored, a .250 average, and a staff ERA/WHIP of 3.60 and 1.23. The Braves are 6-4 in their last 10, and they hold the stronger team baseline on both sides, especially in run production and overall pitching efficiency.