One of the game's top sluggers returns to the team with the best record in the majors on Friday. Take the Dodgers on the road at the San Diego Padres tonight.

Our Friday night MLB selection is on the Los Angeles Dodgers over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.

You can't win if you don't play. SBR Contest Calendar is a click away.

Manny Ramirez Padres righthander Chad Gaudin is a bit of an enigma. He goes out and throws arguably his best start of his career in one of the toughest places to pitch in all of baseball (Arlington, Texas) last Sunday night, but only can manage a .500 record (2-2) in his home ballpark which is considered the most pitcher-friendly place to play.

Now granted, the Rangers have been in an awful power slump since losing outfielder Josh Hamilton to injury, so perhaps tonight facing their division rival and the best team in the National League it will be a much truer test for the former Oakland starter.

Other than having to face the team with the best record in the NL, Gaudin will likely have another obstacle to deal with and that is the much-anticipated return of slugger Manny Ramirez to the majors. And the offensive spark provided by Manny's return could be just the thing that hard-luck L.A. starter Hiroki Kuroda needs.

In limited action (Kuroda missed the beginning of the season due to injury), the Japanese righthander has put up some of the best numbers in the NL in every category except win percentage as, despite a 3.77 ERA and an incredible 35 Ks to just seven walks, Kuroda is only 2-4. He is working on an amazing streak of four games – 29 consecutive innings – without issuing a base on balls.

Kuroda also happens to be 3-1 in five career starts against the Padres. Take the Dodgers.

Free Pick: Dodgers -132

Player Comments:

Add your comments

Comments:

Your Name: (Optional)

Avatar URL: (Optional) Enter the URL of your favorite internet avatar.