The left-hander struck out five and walked one on the day, and seemed on his way to another win before the bullpen blew a three-run ninth inning lead. There’s nothing exceptional about what Allen is doing, but he’s pounding the strike zone with four of his five offerings and earned 20 called strikes during the game. That command-centric approach has helped him register a 2.11 ERA so far this season, but it’s tough to recommend him next weekend against the Red Sox.

He struck out six and allowed just two hits. It’s Allen’s first win since last June 20, when he improved to 8-3 in spite of a 5.23 ERA. He went on to spend most of the rest of the year in the minors, and he was expected to open up back in Triple-A this season before others faltered this spring. He has a 2.30 ERA through three starts this season, but his 11/9 K/BB in 15 2/3 innings is less impressive. He’s still not recommended in mixed leagues, though this Sunday’s start in Pittsburgh is tempting.

Allen allowed four hits and two walks while striking out four. He wasn’t able to get deep enough for a win — even while facing a team that gives up a lot of them — while throwing 52-of-83 pitches for strikes. Not bad, but not what you’re looking for from a stream against Chicago. Allen would be a risky streamer against the Orioles on Tuesday.

Allen dodged trouble early on, stranding five baserunners with the help of three ground ball double plays. But he could only get by for so long without missing any bats. Jackson Merrill took him deep for a solo shot in the fourth inning to put the Padres on the board. Two more runs would score on a walk and two hits in the fifth. Allen struck out his first batter to start the sixth and walked two more before his day was done. The 26-year-old left-hander lines up for a start against the White Sox in Cleveland next Tuesday.