The San Diego Padres are becoming dangerous at just the right time
It took them the first few months of the season to find their groove, but the Padres are back to looking like postseason contenders.
The San Diego Padres have turned their fortunes around, becoming dangerous competitors at just the right time. A month ago, the team seemed on the verge of being sold, with their playoff hopes fading. However, a strong run of eight consecutive wins led up to the August 3rd trade deadline changed everything. General manager A.J. Preller responded by adding starting pitchers Robbie Ray and Casey Mize, bolstering the team's pitching depth.
Since then, the Padres have won 15 of their last 20 games, jumping six teams in the standings and taking control of the second NL wild-card spot.
The Padres' resurgence is largely attributed to their star power. Leadoff man Fernando Tatis Jr. has returned to form, hitting .292/.365/.506 since June 1 with 11 homers. Third baseman Manny Machado, too, has found his groove, posting a .922 OPS and seven homers since July. Center fielder Jackson Merrill has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball, leading the league with 32 RBI since June 1. This trio, combined with first baseman Ty France's strong season, has created a formidable offensive lineup.
The team's pitching staff has also been a major factor in their success. Lead closer Mason Miller has once again proven his dominance, with an 0.88 ERA and 30 saves. The bullpen, led by Adrian Moréjon, Jeremiah Estrada, Bradgley Rodriguez, and Wandy Peralta, ranks fifth in bullpen ERA. The combination of strong pitching and powerful hitting has given the San Diego Padres a dangerous edge as they eye a deep playoff run.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
