​San Diego Padres’ newest starting pitcher Robbie Ray (Photo by Brendon Baranov/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images FriarWatch: August 7 EditionThe San Diego Padres return home for a crucial six-game stretch against two potential MLB playoff contenders. First up is the American League West-leading Houston Astros in a crucial three-game series for both teams.The Padres trail the Arizona Diamondbacks by one game for the final berth in the National League Wild-Card standings. The Astros hold a slim 1.5-game advantage over their cross-state rival Texas Rangers.Both clubs come into the weekend set hot, as each team is 7-3 in their last 10 games. The Friars will try to extend their three-game winning streak at Petco Park with a series sweep.Taking the mound: Ronel Blanco (HOU) vs Robbie Ray (SD)The Gaslamp Quarter should be rockin with anticipation of Robbie Ray’s (10-6, 3.08 ERA) first start with the Brown & Gold. He was a hot commodity at this week’s trade deadline. The left-hander would bolster any team’s starting rotation. The Padres dealt for him hours before Monday’s trade deadline. Ray stated his case by shutting down the Friars on July 30 at Petco Park.He has been on a hot streak, going 7-0 in his last 12 starts. How dominant is Ray? Well, the southpaw allowed one run or less in nine of those starts.Career-wise, the Astros have Ray’s number, as he is 3-3 with a 6.86 ERA in nine starts. Jose Altuve is hitting .550 against him in over 20 at-bats. Ray must keep the ball in the yard, as he allowed 11 home runs in 42.1 innings pitched against the Stros. Houston will send out Ronel Blanco (0-1, 7.36 ERA) in the series-opener. You can expect Astros manager Joe Espada to keep him on a short leash. Blanco has struggled since returning from Tommy John surgery.No question, the right-hander has shown rust from the 14-month layoff. Blanco has failed to get past the fifth inning in his three July starts. He has been susceptible to giving up the long ball (five HRs in 14.2 IP). Blanco will have to attack the strike zone (16 Ks) to keep the hitters off balance. But more importantly, he needs an extended outing tonight, so as not to tax the Astros bullpen in the series’ first game.Today’s Game 8/7 ⚾ Astros Lineup is Out!Provided by mlbstartingnine (@DailyMLBLineups for link)📊 Live Line: Astros +101 • O/U 8.5#Astros#AstrosLineup#MLBpic.twitter.com/a87rHwClmt— MLB Daily Lineups (@DailyMLBLineups) August 7, 2026Keep it rolling. pic.twitter.com/pLmBrLjBqj— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 7, 2026