Brian

Lawrence

Brian Lawrence, Jake Peavy, David Wells and Adam Eaton will start for the Padres while they are still in the playoff hunt, with the Padres skipping the troublesome 5th spot in their rotation.

San Diego wants to skip struggling 22-year-old Justin Germano’s spot in the rotation.

We don’t see how this could work out. The Padres intend to contend, and the Nationals have nothing to offer than will help in that regard. Maybe the Padres really like Tomo Ohka or Tony Armas Jr., but dealing one of them would defeat the Nationals’ purpose. Assuming Jim Bowden has any purpose other than trying to look busy.

This time, Dmitri Young hit a three-run homer to beat Lawrence. If Trevor Hoffman were healthy, or the Padres had any reliable alternatives, Lawrence would have taken a seat after the eighth inning in each of the last two games, and probably be 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA over his last two starts. Instead, he’s 0-2 with a 3.24.

Jeff’s little brother is off to a great start for Long Beach State and worked 45 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings for Team USA last year. He and Florida State shortstop Stephen Drew are probably the best fantasy prospects set to be drafted this year.

“I’ll make my next start,” Lawrence said after the 5-4, 10-inning loss to the Phillies. “I’ve felt this before. It’s nothing big.” Lawrence piched well, throwing 80 pitches in six innings. He said he felt the discomfort only when throwing his slider.

''It feels good today,’' Lawrence said. ''I see no delays. I’m going to get treatment as scheduled. Hopefully, it won’t get worse.’' More will be known after Lawrence throws a bullpen session tomorrow.

David Wells will be held back to start the Padres’ home opener April 8 in their new stadium.

Lawrence outpitched his brother-in-law, Pittsburgh’s Mark Redman, for his sixth win of the season. He gave up just an unearned run through six, that coming when Dave Roberts dropped a routine fly to center field.

Lawrence has pitched a lot better on the road lately, but now he’s been hit hard in back-to-back home starts. He just hasn’t been consistent enough with his sinker and he doesn’t have anything else to retire major league hitters.