Today's Matchup: Milwaukee (Gallardo) vs. San Diego (Volquez)

Ed. Note: Due to the quick turnaround between yesterday's and today's games, we're taking a day off from the mug. It will return tomorrow.

Just six games from the trade deadline, this could be the last or second-last start Yovani Gallardo (4.58 ERA, 3.94 FIP) makes for the Brewers. Probably not--the closer we get to July 31, the less likely it seems Gallardo will be traded. But it certainly remains possible.

He could help up his value with a good start today. Gallardo shut out the Marlins over 6.1 innings five days ago, and building on that would help persuade teams he is back on track. Nevermind that the starts came against the Marlins and Padres.

Interestingly enough, however, Gallardo has been better on the road than he has been at Miller Park in 2013. His road ERA of 4.53 isn't so much lower than his home ERA of 4.62, but his opponent OPS is 62 points lower outside of Milwaukee this season. (So he'll be better in your home park, team looking to trade for him!) Of course, he strikes out fewer hitters on the road. When his strikeout numbers in general have already dropped, that's not such a good thing.

Gallardo has faced three Padres' hitters at least ten times. Here is how they have fared:

Edinson Volquez (5.73 ERA, 3.82 FIP) will take the mound for the Padres. Volquez is the same as he has ever been after his All-Star 2009 season: A guy who will strikeout hitters, but with a complete lack of knowledge on where the ball is going. Volquez's BB/9 is actually under 5.0 for the first time since 2009. Unfortunately for him, that has been accompanied by a drop in strikeouts. His 7.5 K/9 is his lowest since he made eight starts in 2006.

Volquez currently leads the NL in earned runs. He has had some nice starts recently, but is prone to the occasional terrible game. Volquez has been not great, but better during day games than night. In five day games this season, he has "just" a .746 opponent OPS and a 4.45 ERA.

Volquez has faced four Brewers at least ten times. Here is how they have fared:

Lineup:

Weeks 4
Aoki 9
Segura 6
Lucroy 2
Gomez 8
Francisco 3
Betancourt 5
Gindl 7
Gallardo 1

In the bullpen:

• Jim Henderson pitched one inning (24 pitches) yesterday and also pitched Tuesday.
• John Axford pitched one inning (7 pitches) yesterday.
• Tyler Thornburg pitched 4 innings (79 pitches) Tuesday.
• Burke Badenhop pitched 1.1 innings (21 pitches) Monday.
• Brandon Kintzler pitched one inning (10 pitches) Monday.
• Tyler Thornburg pitched one inning (eight pitches) Monday.
• Michael Gonzalez pitched one inning (ten pitches) on Sunday.
• Alfredo Figaro has not pitched since being activated from the DL.