first pitch: 1:10 p.m., PT
television: FOX
matchup: Clay Hensley (0-0, 2.25 ERA) vs Derek Lowe (9-13, 3.77 ERA)
preview: Padres.com
magic number: 16

No, he’s not Jake Peavy, but Hensley has done a terrific job since being recalled from Portland. After 16 relief appearances for the Pads, the 25-year-old right-hander makes his first big-league start and I, for one, am psyched.

You won’t find Hensley on any prospect lists because he’s a little long in the tooth by prospect standards and he doesn’t throw a bazillion miles an hour. But Hensley has an idea of how to pitch, and everything he throws has movement. Brian Lawrence with stuff.

I like the way the Padres have eased Hensley into a role with the big club and that they’re giving him a spot start against the Dodgers. This is a guy who, if he shows anything as a starter (which he did in spades at Triple-A this year), I’d love to see in the 2006 rotation.

Among the three twentysomethings and the two vets with large contracts, there might not be an immediate opening, but it’s nice to know that guys like Hensley, Tim Stauffer, and Cesar Carrillo (and even Chris Oxspring) are knocking on the door and available if needed. This depth helped soften the blow of losing two good young arms to Cincinnati in the Joe Randa deal.

Speaking of Carrillo, he’s starting tonight at Elsinore in the Cal League playoffs. First pitch, 7:05 p.m. I may head up there; then again, after last weekend’s road trip, I may just hang out on the couch and have a beer or two. Because that’s the kind of wild and crazy guy I am.

But enough about me. Let’s beat the Dodgers. Let’s keep whittling away at that magic number and get into the freakin’ playoffs. I’m psyched. Are you psyched? I said, ARE YOU PSYCHED?

Go get ‘em, boys!