As the MLB season heats up, the San Diego Padres (45-39) clash with the Philadelphia Phillies (50-35) in a pivotal matchup at Citizens Bank Park. Nick Pivetta takes the mound for the Padres, boasting an impressive 8-2 record and a 3.36 ERA after a stellar last outing where he pitched 7 innings with no earned runs and 10 strikeouts. Opposing him is Mick Abel, whose 2-1 record and 3.47 ERA, however, was marred by a recent 4-run outing in just 3 innings.

The Phillies enter this game with momentum, having won three out of their last four after a strong performance from Zack Wheeler in a 4-0 victory against the Padres. Wheeler struck out 10 batters in his last start, showcasing the depth of Philadelphia’s pitching staff. Meanwhile, the Padres have struggled, losing three of their last four games, which adds pressure as they seek to turn their fortunes around.

Betting odds reflect the tight competition, with the Padres slightly favored at -108 while the Phillies sit at -111 on the moneyline. The game total is set at 9 runs, indicating a potential for an offensive showdown, especially if both teams' hitters can capitalize on the pitchers' mistakes. Key players to watch include Bryce Harper, who made his return to the lineup and could play a pivotal role in the Phillies' offense, and Manny Machado for the Padres, who is looking to break out of a slump.

The MLB betting landscape is buzzing with excitement as top matchups unfold on July 2, 2025. Following a successful no-runs-first-inning (NRFI) betting night, there are six standout NRFI picks to consider today. Key matchups include the St. Louis Cardinals facing the Pittsburgh Pirates, where pitchers Sonny Gray and Mitch Keller are set to take the mound. Gray, boasting an impressive 12-4 NRFI record this season, aims to maintain his form after a complete game shutout against the Guardians. Keller, with a solid 12-5 NRFI record, presents a tough challenge. Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres face off against the Philadelphia Phillies in a doubleheader, with Nick Pivetta and rookie Mick Abel pitching. Pivetta, also 12-4 on NRFIs this year, is expected to shine. The betting community is closely monitoring these games, considering weather conditions and lineup changes that could impact outcomes.

The Philadelphia Phillies are set for a doubleheader against the San Diego Padres on July 2 at Citizens Bank Park, with the first game starting at 1:10 PM and the second at 7:10 PM. Rookie right-hander Mick Abel (2-1, 3.47 ERA) will take the mound for the Phillies in the afternoon game, while Cristopher Sanchez (6-2, 2.79 ERA) will pitch the nightcap. The Padres counter with Nick Pivetta (8-2, 3.36 ERA) and Dylan Cease (3-7, 4.53 ERA) for the respective games.

Fans in the Philadelphia area can watch the first game on NBC 10 and NBC Sports Philadelphia, while those outside the market can tune in on MLB Network. The second game will air exclusively on NBCSP. Streaming options include nbcsportsphiladelphia.com, FuboTV, Hulu, Peacock, and YouTube TV. Additionally, Apple TV+ will feature the Phillies on select dates, including a matchup against the New York Yankees on July 25.

The Philadelphia Phillies have announced the postponement of their game against the San Diego Padres due to inclement weather. The matchup will be rescheduled as part of a split-admission doubleheader on Wednesday, with the first game starting at 1:05 p.m.

Mick Abel is slated to take the mound for Game 1, followed by Cristopher Sánchez in Game 2 at 6:15 p.m. Fans who purchased tickets for the original game will be able to use them for the second game. The evening's postgame fireworks show has also been pushed back to after the second game.

The Phillies previously triumphed over the Padres, securing a 4-0 victory in their series opener on Monday. This doubleheader presents an excellent opportunity for the Phillies to build momentum against a division rival.

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw is on the brink of a significant milestone, needing just three more strikeouts to reach 3,000, a feat achieved by only 19 other pitchers in MLB history. Likely to accomplish this at home in front of the Los Angeles Dodgers fans, this achievement represents both a celebration and a poignant reflection on Kershaw's illustrious career. As one of the last of a generation known for throwing extensive innings, Kershaw’s recent performance has shown he's still capable, boasting a 4-0 record with a 3.03 ERA after returning from injury.

However, with the decline in durability among pitchers and the increasing prevalence of injuries, including Tommy John surgeries, Kershaw’s achievement raises questions about the future of longevity in pitching. As he, along with contemporaries like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, nears the end of their careers, the landscape of baseball pitching excellence seems to be shifting. The transition poses a challenge for newer pitchers, who face tougher conditions and higher velocities, potentially threatening the accumulation of traditional milestones like 200 career wins or 3,000 strikeouts.