A.J. Burnett tries to even series with Padres

Sep 11, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (34) talks with catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) during sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Burnett is making over $14 million in 2014, but he certainly hasn’t reflected it in his pitching.

Burnett brings an 8-16 record into Tuesday’s matchup with the San Diego Padres.  He also brings the most walks in the National League with 83 and he’s given up at least four earned runs in his last six starts.

Perhaps to Burnett’s benefit he is facing one of, if not the worst, offensive teams in baseball Tuesday night.  The Padres rank dead last in Major League Baseball in runs, batting average, on base percentage and slugging percentage.

The Philadelphia Phillies don’t figure to be too much better as they rank 25th or lower in batting average, on base percentage and slugging percentage.  They do rank 18th in runs with 583 while averaging 3.81 runs created per 27 outs.

On Monday, however, the Phillies were blanked 1-0 by Andrew Cashner who pitched a complete-game two-hit shutout.

Marlon Byrd had one of the Phillies’ two hits Monday, but is out of the lineup Tuesday.

Ian Kennedy will look to produce in a similar way to Cashner though he is winless in his last three starts.  On June 10th, Kennedy took a loss against the Phillies as he he allowed five earned runs over seven innings.  Four of those runs were driven in by Marlon Byrd.

Byrd has two homers lifetime against Kennedy and seven RBIs.  The only other Phillies to go yard against the right-hander are Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins who is out with an injury.

Tony Gwynn, Jr. will start in centerfield Tuesday and bat first.  He is hitless in four at bats since being called back up to the Phillies in September.

Phillies lineup:

Gwynn CF
Asche 3B
Utley 2B
Howard 1B
Sizemore RF
Brown LF
Rupp C
Galvis SS
Burnett P