Front Row Seat: Padres win 4th straight with trade deadline looming

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The arguments for (and against) an MLB salary cap

Section 1904 is a community-supported media company. If you like our content, considering subscribing to support our work for as little as $5/month. Darren Smith and John Gennaro talk about what to expect from San Diego FC’s matchup against Pachuca tonight and recap a great, almost playoffs-like, atmosphere for

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San Diego Padres

Padres add on late, run away with win over Mets - San Diego Union-Tribune
After Díaz’s seventh-inning double turned a one-run lead into a 4-1 game, Luis Arraez worked a one-out walk and Machado hit his 20th homer over the wall in left field to ensure the rest of the Padres’ high-leverage arms would have the rest of the night off.

Jeremiah Estrada and Adrián Morejón had already pitched after a four-plus-inning start from rookie right-hander Ryan Bergert, as had left-hander Wandy Peralta.

Jason Adam was warming during the seventh inning, but he sat down as the Padres piled on runs, allowing manager Mike Shildt to use Ron Marinaccio instead for just the second time since his call-up.

SHILDT SAYS: More good news on Michael King, Ryan Bergert returns, the Padres’ improving fortunes and players stepping up - FriarWire
For the second straight day, the progress of pitcher Michael King was a major part of Mike Shildt’s pregame media session:

“I talked to Michael today and he is in very good spirits and excited,” the Padres manager said a day after King pitched a three-inning simulated game. “He’s in a really good spot. We’re talking about what’s next. We’re figuring out the day, for Saturday or Sunday. It’s looking like him being able to get out there and have a rehab assignment likely at Triple-A."

Mets star Juan Soto leaves loss to Padres early after fouling a ball off his left foot - Yahoo Sports
In the fourth inning of the loss at Petco Park, Soto hit a foul ball that bounced straight into his foot, which sent him hopping away from the plate in pain. He limped significantly afterward while trying to walk it off, and he struggled to put any weight on his back leg.

MLB trade deadline 2025: Latest intel from Olney, Passan - ESPN
A surprise name has emerged in the starting pitcher market: Dylan Cease, who will be eligible for free agency at year's end. Perception of other teams is that the Padres are intent on making a push for the playoffs and would use Cease to help fill other roster needs. Mets, AL East teams, Cubs among teams that have talked about him.

Buy and sell? Why Padres might deal Cease - Padres.com
They would presumably fetch a decent haul for a starter with an ace-caliber ceiling. Perhaps they flip some of that haul for a controllable rotation piece to better set them up moving forward.

Darvish will turn 40 next season. King will be a free agent this winter. Pivetta has been outstanding and Joe Musgrove is slated to return from Tommy John surgery next year. But the long-term state of the rotation feels shaky – even with the strong performances from Randy Vásquez, Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek this season.

Perusing Feinsand’s list of players most likely to be traded, Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller and Miami’s Edward Cabrera check in as starters with multiple years of control. He mentions Sandy Alcantara as well. The Padres have fewer trade pieces this year than they have in the past. But, well, if they were to trade Cease, their stack of trade chips would theoretically increase.

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