News Padres Team Notes

[San Diego Padres]

Padres pull away in extras, beat Diamondbacks

Jose Iglesias did his best Manny Machado impression on a one-out ground ball off the bat of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in the bottom of the 10th inning. Iglesias fielded the grounder, stepped on third and threw to first base as he was falling into foul territory. The ball arrived in the glove of Luis Arraez at first base just ahead of Gurriel Jr. to complete the double play and send the game to the 11th inning.

With Fernando Tatis Jr. on second base as the automatic runner, Arraez opened the top of the 11th with a bloop into shallow left field that allowed Tatis Jr. to score from second to give the San Diego Padres a 6-5 lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks en route to a 10-5 extra-innings win at Chase Field, Tuesday.

This is classic Luis Arraez. pic.twitter.com/agWNCG8gwO

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 6, 2025

The Padres took a two-run lead in the top of the 11th when Jackson Merrill hit a line drive to center field with runners at the corners. The ball was deep enough to allow Arraez to score from third base to put San Diego ahead, 7-5.

Ramon Laureano tacked on another run with a line drive into right-center field that scored Machado to push the Padres’ lead to 8-5. San Diego added another run when Jake Cronenworth hit an RBI-groundout that allowed Xander Bogaerts to score to give the Padres a 9-5 lead. The final run of the inning for San Diego came when Freddy Fermin singled to right field to score Cronenworth to put the Padres ahead, 10-5.

Padres in innings 1-10: 5 runs
Padres in the 11th inning: 5 runs

(MLB x GEICO) pic.twitter.com/Yudmci8sg3

— MLB (@MLB) August 6, 2025

David Morgan came in to pitch the bottom of the 11th inning for San Diego. He was able to record three outs, facing just three batters to seal the win.

Yu Darvish completed four innings for San Diego and Manager Mike Shildt went to his revamped bullpen. Darvish left the game after four innings with the Padres trailing, 3-2. Adrian Morejon was called on to handle the fifth inning and faced four batters to get three outs.

San Diego was able to work three consecutive two-out walks to load the bases against Arizona reliever Kyle Nelson in the top of the sixth inning. Andrew Hoffman came in for Nelson to face Tatis Jr. and issued a five-pitch walk that allowed the Padres to tie the game, 3-3. San Diego left the bases loaded when Arraez lined out to end the inning.

Jason Adam came in for the bottom of the sixth inning and like Morejon, he needed four batters to record three outs.

The Padres jumped ahead in the top of the seventh after Machado doubled to start the inning. Merrill walked to put two runners on and Bogaerts followed with a strikeout. Laureano stepped to the plate and delivered a double into right-center field that allowed Machado and Merrill to score to give San Diego a 5-3 lead.

Top Ramón pic.twitter.com/kyNysSIPz7

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 6, 2025

Jeremiah Estrada cruised through the bottom of the seventh inning and faced just three batters to get San Diego out of the inning. The Padres could not add to their total in the top of the eighth and Mason Miller came in from the bullpen in the bottom half of inning.

Miller recorded two quick outs, but then was squeezed on two pitches and allowed a two-out walk to Geraldo Perdomo. Gurriel Jr. then delivered a two-out two-run home run to left field that allowed the Diamondbacks to tie the game, 5-5.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. smokes his second homer of the night off of Mason Miller to tie the game! pic.twitter.com/9SNY3KkIEb

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 6, 2025

Wandy Peralta started on the mound for the Padres in the bottom of the ninth inning. He recorded the first out, but then allowed a single and hit a batter to put the winning run in scoring position with one out. Robert Suarez was called on to try to get San Diego out of the jam and he did just that. Suarez recorded a fly out and then struck out Corbin Carroll with a fastball to send the game to extra innings.

San Diego will look to win the series against Arizona, Wednesday at 6:40 p.m.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-diego-padres-news/44235/padres-pull-away-in-extras-beat-diamondbacks

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Padres rally late to win in Arizona

https://www.gaslampball.com/san-diego-padres-news/44235/padres-pull-away-in-extras-beat-diamondbacks (Matt DeWalt – Gaslamp Ball)

https://www.mlb.com/padres/news/padres-down-diamondbacks-in-11-innings (AJ Cassavell – Padres.com)

https://www.mlb.com/padres/news/jp-sears-sent-down-ahead-of-nestor-cortes-first-padres-start (AJ Cassavell – Padres.com)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...11th-inning-beat-diamondbacks-to-even-series/ (Kevin Acee – U-T)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...e-their-chances-with-yu-darvish-on-the-mound/ (Tom Krasovic – U-T)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...ns-as-j-p-sears-optioned-to-triple-a-el-paso/ (Jeff Sanders – U-T)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...ason-ticket-prices-for-a-fifth-straight-year/ (Jeff Sanders – U-T)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6535779/2025/08/05/padres-deadline-analysis-rosenthal-notes/ (Ken Rosenthal – The Athletic)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6532953/2025/08/03/padres-mason-miller-bullpen-arms-race/ (Dennis Lin – The Athletic)

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...san-diego-padres-rally-late-to-win-in-arizona

 

[San Diego Padres]

San Diego roster additions making impacts

Much has been said about the deadline acquisitions of the San Diego Padres, which included pitchers Mason Miller, JP Sears and Nestor Cortes. It also included position players Ramon Laureano, Freddy Fermin and Ryan O’Hearn at the major league level, and Will Wagner and Jorge Quintana at the minor league level.

AJ Preller on what he accomplished today and the decision to trade away some of the team's top prospects: pic.twitter.com/CcXuWHW2L2

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) July 31, 2025

It was evident to the Padres and their fans that upgrades were needed to make the roster more complete. The additions from deals made by General Manager AJ Preller seem to have been made with careful thought and consideration and after just six games, they are already paying dividends.

The move that had many San Diego fans scratching their heads was the addition of Miller, a closer with a big arm and eye-popping velocity. With All-Star Robert Suarez already filling the role of closer for the Padres, it seemed the cost for Miller and Sears, San Diego top prospect Leodalis De Vries, was too steep for what was considered a luxury addition unless the Padres traded away Suarez and made Miller the closer for the remainder of the 2025 season.

When all the trades were said and done, Suarez was still in the San Diego bullpen and he was going to be joined by Miller in an undefined role. In his first three appearances for the Padres, Miller has one hold, one save and several pitches over 100 mph. He has also allowed two runs on three hits with two walks and one home run.

103 MPH to put it away pic.twitter.com/EOWQ0hfXdr

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 7, 2025

Sears made one start for San Diego and had a rough outing. He was optioned to Triple-A El Paso after the game, which allowed San Diego to add Cortes to the roster for his start, Wednesday. Cortes completed 4 2/3 innings and allowed two runs, but he managed traffic on the basepaths and limited damage before turning the ball over to the bullpen.

As much as the Miller addition had the Friar Faithful questioning Preller, the addition of Ramon Laureano was exactly what the team needed. Laureano upgraded the left field position on defense and lengthened the lineup on offense. He directly impacted the San Diego win on Wednesday night with a double play in the seventh inning that ended the inning and a potential scoring threat by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Laureano has amassed nine hits in 26 at-bats, which includes a home run, two triples, a double, a walk and five RBI.

Laureano to Iglesias to Manny to throw out McCann! pic.twitter.com/p9nXWRfgeC

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) August 7, 2025

Freddy Fermin, like Laureano, was a much needed upgrade at the catcher position for the Padres. Like the Miller/Sears addition, the San Diego fanbase questioned the cost for Fermin as Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek were both sent to Kansas City to acquire him. Fermin has appeared in five games and has 16 at-bats. He has seven hits, including a double, with a run scored and three RBI with two walks. It should be noted that Fermin has yet to strikeout in a Padres uniform. He has also thrown out a runner and has gotten some calls to go in the favor of San Diego pitchers with his pitch-framing abilities behind the plate.

Freddy Fermin, welcome to your new home! pic.twitter.com/y9ycSltzDv

— Xan Barksdale (@xanbarksdale) August 5, 2025

The addition that was perhaps the most exciting for the Friar Faithful was All-Star slugger Ryan O’Hearn. He has appeared in five games and has 13 at-bats with San Diego. O’Hearn has two hits with a run and an RBI. He delivered a critical solo home run in the top of the ninth inning that allowed the Padres to tie the game and eventually earn the 3-2 win, Wednesday.

He's just that Ry. pic.twitter.com/ispuCd5FXi

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 7, 2025

The statistics for the majority of the new additions to the San Diego roster have been comforting to see, but the result of the individual achievements have impacted the team record over the last two series. San Diego took two-of-three from St. Louis and Arizona, giving the Padres a 4-2 record on the road trip. They outscored their opponents 31-25, have moved to 13 games over .500 and are within two games of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the lead in the National League West Division.

The Boston Red Sox come to Petco Park, Friday for a three-game series before the Padres start a six-game road trip that starts in San Franciso and ends in Los Angeles. If Miller, Laureano, Fermin and O’Hearn continue to contribute as they have in their first week with the team and the likes of Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill and Xander Bogaerts can play to their potential, it could be an exciting nine-game stretch.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...069/san-diego-roster-additions-making-impacts

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres after the deadline

Ramon Laureano

The San Diego Padres began their post-deadline season with new players and a home series against the St Louis Cardinals. The Friars took two-of-three and got another stellar performance from starter Nick Pivetta, who went seven innings, while allowing only one run to improve his ERA to 2.73.

Newcomer Mason Miller jumped right into the fray on Aug. 1, pitching an inning, and didn’t allow a run. Randy Vasquez had his worst outing of the season in the loss of the second game. He allowed five runs and eight hits over four innings and increased his ERA to 3.93.

The Padres salvaged the series with a good start by Dylan Cease (5 IP, 1 hit, 0 runs) and another great effort from the bullpen. Jackson Merrill hit a bases clearing triple for three RBI. Robert Suarez secured his MLB-leading 32nd save.

On the road

The team then headed to Arizona for a three-game series versus the Dbacks, taking two-of-three with continued excellent production up and down the lineup. The bump in the road was the loss in the first game when new starter JP Sears got knocked around for 10 hits and 5 runs in his 5 innings pitched. The offense was stymied by Dbacks starter Brandon Pfaadt and were also unable to break through against the bullpen for Arizona.

Otherwise, it was a fun series for the Friars.

Both Randy Vasquez and JP Sears were sent down to Triple-A El Paso after their starts and the Padres activated new starter Nestor Cortes from the IL and called up reliever Sean Reynolds.

The 4-2 record for the week gave them a 64-51 record for the season. They now sit in second position in the Wild Card standings, a game up on the Mets and 2.5 games behind the Cubs. They are also only two games behind the LA Dodgers for the division lead.

Good numbers

As a team, the Padres have made significant improvements over the past month and the additions at the trade deadline only emphasized how much the lineup needed to be lengthened. With left fielder Ramón Laureano, catcher Freddy Fermin and DH/1B/OF Ryan O’Hearn added to roster, the Padres now have a legitimate threat coming from every slot in the batting order.

It also gives them Jose Iglesias, Gavin Sheets and Bryce Johnson as offensive and defensive weapons off the bench, when they aren’t starting. The result of AJ Preller’s work is an offense that hit .262 with a .757 OPS for the week. They averaged 5.2 runs per game over that span. The .250 average and 4.1 runs per game for the previous 109 games kept them in the wild card race and in second place in the NL West. The division title is legitimately in their reach and the improved production makes them much more dangerous.

Ramón Laureano leads the team with a 1.024 OPS for the week while Freddy Fermin is tops with a .438 average. Jackson Merrill has 8 RBI for the week and Xander Bogaerts has hit two home runs over the same period.

The Friars’ relievers continue to lead baseball with a 2.99 ERA for the season. The team ERA of 3.58 ranks second overall in baseball. Jason Adam has the lowest ERA for the bullpen at 1.78 and Nick Pivetta continues to lead the starters with a 2.73 ERA.

Injuries and roster changes

Both Tyler Wade and Martin Maldonado were DFA’d after the deadline. Both cleared waivers and Wade accepted an assignment to Triple-A. Maldonado was released after he refused the demotion.

On Aug. 2, AJ Preller made a trade with the Pirates for minor league catcher Eli Wilson and he was assigned to San Antonio.

Randy Vasquez and JP Sears were sent to Triple-A El Paso.

Trenton Brooks was outrighted to El Paso.

It was announced that Michael King will start for the Padres against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday, returning to the team after being placed on the IL in May.

Joe Musgrove has begun twice-a-week bullpen sessions that will take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays. He will slowly increase quantity of pitches and intensity over the next couple months.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-diego-padres-analysis-commentary/45689/padres-after-the-deadline

 

[San Diego Padres]

Game 116: Boston Red Sox at San Diego Padres

Boston Red Sox at San Diego Padres, August 8, 2025, 6:40 p.m. PST

Location: Petco Park, San Diego, CA

Watch: Padres TV

Listen: 97.3 The Fan

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• Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
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GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...3/game-116-boston-red-sox-at-san-diego-padres

 

[San Diego Padres]

Is Mason Miller a reliever or a starter?

Mason Miller

The San Diego Padres acquired closer Mason Miller from the A’s at the trade deadline. They gave up a lot in order to secure the high leverage reliever and a starter, JP Sears, from the A’s. Sears is a back-of-the-rotation innings eater, who had a start that showed how volatile he can be before being sent down to El Paso.

Miller, 26 years old, is a 2024 All-Star, who has high velocity on his fastball that has earned him notoriety from the best in baseball . He also has a wicked slider that moves away from right-handed hitters. But Miller has not always been a reliever. In fact, for the majority of his pitching career, he was a starter. It has been brought up among fans that the Padres have a pretty good history of converting relievers to starters (Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Michael King) and Miller could be the next success story on that list.

In Miller’s five-year college career he was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes in his sophomore season at Waynesburg University (Pennsylvania). After missing time due to his illness, he completed his four-year degree and transferred to Gardner-Webb University (North Carolina) for a fifth year. For all of his college career, Miller was primarily a starter. Over the five years, he threw 239 innings with a 3.92 ERA in 38 games started and 50 games overall. He had 3 saves during his college career.

Drafted by the Oakland A’s in 2021, Miller moved quickly through the minor leagues. He pitched a total of 39.1 innings from 2021 through his April 19, 2023 debut with the A’s. In his first start with Oakland, he threw 15 pitches at greater than 100 mph. By May, after just a handful of starts, Miller went on the IL with a UCL sprain and was transferred to the 60-day IL in June. He did not return to the team until Sept. 6, throwing out of the bullpen for the rest of the season.

Before the 2024 season, A’s general manager David Forst indicated that Miller would remain in the bullpen for that entire season due to injury concerns. For the season, Miller threw 65 innings with a 2.49 ERA and 104 strikeouts. His fastball averaged 101 mph and was used 63% of the time. He also threw his slider at 87 mph 35% of the time. He used his changeup sparingly, 2% at 92 mph.

The high-leverage reliever was chosen for his first All-Star game as a reserve and after the season, the discussion about returning him to the rotation was brought up with the A’s. Forst expressed that they would not be toying with success. Miller would remain a reliever.

Fast forward to August 2025, Miller is a member of the Padres bullpen after a blockbuster trade with the A’s. He compliments an already dominant Padres bullpen that is loaded and ready for a playoff run. Of course, changing his role is not an option at this point.

But what about 2026?

Miller has 434.2 innings pitched through his college and pro careers due to his fast advance through the minor leagues. He is a max effort pitcher with two pitches that he throws 98% of the time. His fastball has topped out at 104 mph and his slider sits in the high 80’s. He uses his changeup sparingly.

Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla, AKA the pitching whisperer, has a reputation for being one of the best in baseball. He has a biomechanics lab that has already demonstrated the ability to greatly enhance pitchers’ ability. Miller is under control for the next four seasons, a perfect opportunity for the organization to do a deep dive into Miller’s mechanics, pitch development and pitch use in order to entertain a move to the rotation. But the past history of a UCL sprain would dictate that Miller be handled with care. His max effort pitching could be scaled back in a starter scenario, allowing him to use the high heat sparingly. For that to work he would need to develop/refine his pitch mix and delivery.

This debate will probably be on the back burner for the rest of this season, but expect to hear a lot more after the season and before next spring training. Dreaming on what Miller could do in the starting rotation is a fascinating and seductive discussion. But blowing out his elbow would not help the Padres and deciding which course to take will be a real point of interest for all of us.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...48944/is-mason-miller-a-reliever-or-a-starter

 

[San Diego Padres]

San Diego shuts down late-inning rally, beats Boston to win series

San Diego Padres reliever Adrian Morejon was called on to face Boston Red Sox leadoff man Roman Anthony with two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the seventh inning.

The Padres entered the inning with a 5-0 lead, but watched the Red Sox cut the deficit to 5-2. Morejon worked to a full count against Anthony before getting him to swing over the top of an inside pitch to get out of the seventh to maintain the lead for San Diego.

Adrian Morejon escapes the bases-loaded jam with a strikeout!

(MLB x @CoronaUSA) pic.twitter.com/HFhl1yaNQL

— MLB (@MLB) August 10, 2025

The Padres responded to the Red Sox rally with a run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Arraez each singled to start the inning. Manny Machado flied to deep center field, which allowed Tatis Jr. to tag up and move to third. Ryan O’Hearn brought him in to score with a sacrifice fly ball to left field that gave the Padres a 6-2 lead.

San Diego reliever David Morgan completed the final two innings without allowing another run to Boston and the Padres went on to beat the Red Sox, 6-2, en route a series win at Petco Park, Sunday.

San Diego Manager Mike Shildt has been telling reporters that his starting pitchers need to go deeper into games. Dylan Cease must have been listening because he delivered one of his best starts of the season, completing 6-plus innings, allowing two runs on four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.

Dylan Cease strikes out seven batters over six innings, exiting with a 5-0 lead

Red Sox @ Padres#ForTheFaithful| August 10, 2025 pic.twitter.com/6zEWgYzERH

— San Diego Strong (@PadresStrong) August 10, 2025

Cease left the game in the top of the sixth inning with a 5-0 lead, no outs and two runners on. He handed the ball over to Jason Adam, who hit the first batter he faced to load the bases. Adam got what appeared to be a double-play ground ball to short that was misplayed by Xander Bogaerts. The result was two runs scored by Boston to cut the deficit to 5-2 and the Red Sox still had runners at first and second with no outs.

Boston reloaded the bases with a single by Wilyer Abreu and Adam got the first out of the inning with a strikeout of Ceddanne Rafaela. Adam then struck out Abraham Toro to end his outing before turning the ball over to Morejon.

Cease had a lead to work with after the bottom of the third inning. Freddy Fermin hit a two-out single for the first Padres hit of the game. Tatis Jr. was hit by a pitch to put runners at first and second base for Arraez. He sent a ball into left-center field that landed beyond the reach of Red Sox center fielder Jarren Duran. The ball rolled to the wall and Fermin and Tatis Jr. scored to put San Diego up, 2-0.

Luis brings 'em in! pic.twitter.com/gwX6ODC5sb

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 10, 2025

The Padres added to their lead with an RBI-single by Tatis Jr. in the bottom of the fifth inning. The hit allowed Jake Cronenworth to score to give the Padres a 3-0 lead. Tatis Jr. was thrown out at second base, trying to stretch his single into a double.

Fernando Tatis Jr. extends the Padres' lead with an RBI single in the bottom of the 5th inning#ForTheFaithful pic.twitter.com/jwPy5YUjZm

— San Diego Strong (@PadresStrong) August 10, 2025

San Diego tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning on an RBI-single by Bogaerts and a bases loaded walk by Cronenworth. The Padres had a 5-0 lead after the sixth.

The Padres head to San Francisco to play the Giants, Monday at 6:45 p.m.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...-late-inning-rally-beats-boston-to-win-series

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres made a tough decision on Gavin Sheets

The San Diego Padres made a tough decision involving Gavin Sheets and the amount of playing time he will receive moving forward. The sudden loss of at-bats by one of the team’s top run-producers might have raised a few eyebrows among the Friar Faithful.

Sheets the odd man out of the mix​

The trade deadline acquisition of Ramon Laureano and Ryan O’Hearn from the Baltimore Orioles has limited Padres manager Mike Shildt’s ability to get creative with the batting lineup. Since they arrived in San Diego, Sheets has seen little action in games.

The issue is having two left-handed designated hitters who provide little defensive coverage in the outfield. Sheets was not going to displace Laureano as the everyday leftfielder. Thus, the math does not work, as you’re dividing two players with the same skillset into the lone position remaining in the lineup. Sheets is the odd man out with only three at-bats since July 31st.

A manager can’t keep everyone happy during a season. Someone will be left out in the cold in terms of playing time. Shildt shocked the Friar Faithful by inserting Sheets into the lineup as the leftfielder. Initially, the risk paid off, as he proved to be a plus defender in the field. But the long-term goal was to acquire a more all-around outfielder before the trade deadline expired.

O’Hearn’s run-producing potential is enticing​

The team’s decision might not be fair, as Sheets is batting .247 with 15 HRs, 54 RBIs, and a .731 OPS this season. However, you cannot argue about inserting O’Hearn into the lineup. He has proven to be one of the most feared power hitters in the majors. O’Hearn is hitting .278 with 14 HRs, 45 RBIs, and .836 OPS in 101 games.

View Link

At 65-52, the Friars are in a battle with the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds for the final two wildcard berths. The Padres felt it was necessary to improve their lineup, which would put them ahead of their competitors in the chase.

Sheets may have to make the most of his opportunities to get more playing time. He must keep himself engaged and be ready when called upon. His role is to be the top LH pitch-hitter late in games and the occasional starter at first base when Luis Arraez needs a day off.

Contributing to claiming a postseason berth would be a nice finish to a strange season.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die.../padres-made-a-tough-decision-on-gavin-sheets

 

[San Diego Padres]

Yu Darvish dominates, Freddy Fermin homers to lead Padres over Giants

Freddy Fermin hit a two-run home run off Logan Webb in the top of the seventh inning, which helped knock the San Francisco Giants starter out of the game and propelled the San Diego Padres to a 4-1 win at Oracle Park, Monday.

For Fermin, it was his fourth home run of the season and his first as a member of the Padres. He lined the ball into the left field corner and it just cleared the left field wall to give San Diego the second and third runs scored in the inning.

The Ferminator pic.twitter.com/nzDOnigGQD

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 12, 2025

The Padres scored their first run of the seventh inning when Jake Cronenworth singled to score Bryce Johnson from second base. Johnson came in the pinch-run after Gavin Sheets doubled to lead off the inning. The run scored by Johnson gave San Diego a 2-1 lead.

The game was tied heading into the top of the seventh inning because the one mistake made by Padres starter Yu Darvish came in the bottom of the sixth. He left a pitch out over the plate that Rafael Devers hit to left-center field to make the score, 1-1.

San Diego took a 1-0 lead in the top of the sixth inning when Jackson Merrill hit a two-out double to right field to score Fernando Tatis Jr. from second base. Manny Machado was held at third on the play and was stranded there when Xander Bogaerts grounded out to end the inning.

The Kid getting it done. pic.twitter.com/oNbpESyH4R

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 12, 2025

Darvish allowed the solo home run to Devers, but that was it. He won the pitching duel with Webb and allowed four hits with no walks and six strikeouts in six innings pitched.

Yu Darvish records six strikeouts over six innings of work while allowing one run in a strong start against the Giants

Padres @ Giants#ForTheFaithful | August 11, 2025 https://t.co/TI0kSnrbyJ pic.twitter.com/V71769Cybh

— San Diego Strong (@PadresStrong) August 12, 2025

The bullpen took over for San Diego in the seventh inning. Jeremiah Estrada, Mason Miller and Robert Suarez each worked a scoreless inning. The trio combined to allow one hit and got four strikeouts. Three of those were recorded by Miller in the eighth. Suarez nailed down the win in the ninth inning and got his 33rd save of the season.

Padres win the opener in SF and will be a game back of the Dodgers in the NL West if tonight's result holds in Anaheim! pic.twitter.com/iGxnD1Fyau

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) August 12, 2025

Merrill was 3-for-4 in the game for the Padres and recorded three hits off Webb. Tatis Jr. and Sheets each added two hits apiece and joined Merrill to lead the San Diego offense.

The Padres benefited from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim beating the Los Angeles Dodgers and pulled within one game of the NL West Division lead.

The Padres will play the Giants, Tuesday at 6:45 p.m.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...eddy-fermin-homers-to-lead-padres-over-giants

 

[San Diego Padres]

Meet the new Padres

Will Wagner

Padres’ President of Baseball Operations/General Manager AJ Preller made such a bevy of trades at the trade deadline, it’s understandable that the two prospects the Padres acquired went virtually unnoticed. With 22 players changing teams in the five trades, the two that went to the minor league system got almost no discussion.

Trading away your top prospect, and several more that ranked in the top 20 of the system, got a lot of notice for Preller. But he also received two players that could make their mark with the team, or serve as more trade bait in the future.

Will Wagner

Infielder Will Wagner, drafted by the Astros as their 18th round pick in 2021, is the son of Hall of Fame reliever Billy Wagner. At 27 years old, he has had parts of five seasons in the minor leagues of the Astros and Blue Jays. He has also seen time with the Blue Jays this season as a utility infielder.

Rated #18 by MLB in the Blue Jays system, Wagner debuted in August of 2024 but still has rookie status as his major league experience is 64 games and 196 at bats over parts of 2024 and 2025. He was traded to the Blue Jays in July of last year.

During his time in the big leagues, he has a .265 average and .699 OPS with 13 doubles, no triples, two homers and 18 RBI with one steal. He has 19 walks to 42 strikeouts. The scouting report profiles a player with good on-base skills, but little power and average defense in the infield. He has a high baseball IQ, something that is valued by Padres Manager Mike Shildt. With below average speed, he is only an infield player and doesn’t have a good enough arm for shortstop. His primary skill set would put him at first base, but he played first, second and third for the Blue Jays.

Despite all that, Fangraphs projects him as a .265 hitter with a .698 OPS as a major leaguer with a 10.2% walk rate. It doesn’t seem likely that he will see time with the major league club this season, with the push to the playoffs not conducive to a rookie infielder. He could have a legitimate shot as a utility infielder in 2026, especially if Jose Iglesias is not on the roster.

Jorge Quintana

SS/3B Jorge Quintana is 18 years old, 6’-2” and 183 lbs. He was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers out of Venezuela as part of their 2024 International class. He is a switch-hitter, who debuted in 2025 for the ACL Brewers and has even splits from both sides of the plate. As the Brewers #19 prospect in 2024, he is listed as the Padres #16 prospect after the deadline.

He is currently being developed as a shortstop, but as he grows and fills out he could be a better fit at third base. Currently his time spent in the Dominican Summer League and the rookie league in Arizona, as well as a short appearance with Lake Elsinore, shows a player who has 108 games and 420 at-bats across the three leagues.

He has a .252 average and .735 OPS with 28 doubles, 6 triples, 5 home runs and 55 RBI. He has 42 stolen bases out of 57 attempts. Not surprisingly, he has 109 strikeouts versus 59 walks. Of his 108 games, 53 were in the DSL in 2024 and he now has 55 in the minors in 2025. He has good speed, a good arm and significant potential power. Although, not to be confused with Leodalis De Vries, he could develop into an infield prospect for the Padres.

Wagner was a one-for-one trade with the Blue Jays in exchange for catcher Brandon Valenzuela, who doesn’t seem to have had a future with the Padres.

Quintana was part of the Nestor Cortes trade with the Brewers, that also included cash, in exchange for outfielder Brandon Lockridge. The Brewers had an injury to outfielder Jackson Chourio that required an IL stint, after having an injury to Sal Frelick earlier in the year, and they lacked outfield depth. Lockridge started for the Brewers immediately after the trade and has been playing for them regularly since the trade.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/minors/48998/meet-the-new-padres

 

[San Diego Padres]

Bullpen comes through for San Diego in win over San Francisco

Jason Adam entered the game in the bottom of the sixth inning with the bases loaded and one out in the inning. The San Diego Padres were clinging to a 4-1 lead over the San Francisco Giants, and Padres Manager Mike Shildt called on his All-Star reliever to get his team out of the inning.

Adam was up to the task and not only got out of the inning, but he did so without allowing any of the inherited runners to cross the plate. Adam was able to get Patrick Bailey to pop out to shallow center field and he got Heliot Ramos to pop out to first baseman Luis Arraez in foul territory to preserve the lead and end the inning.

One of the many amazing things about this bullpen is their ability to pick each other up. Slight trouble from David Morgan and Jason Adam immediately escapes the jam. They’re such a unit

— Ryan Cohen (@RyanCohen24) August 13, 2025

The Padres went on to add a run in the top of the eighth inning on an opposite field solo home run by Jackson Merrill and beat the Giants, 5-1 at Oracle Park, Tuesday.

He's all about that action. pic.twitter.com/28xLCS1qIt

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 13, 2025

Adam faced four batters in the bottom of the seventh inning to get three outs and turned the ball over to Adrian Morejon in the eighth. Morejon worked a scoreless inning and once again, the Padres’ bullpen gave up nothing.

San Diego opened the game with a run in the bottom of the first inning after a ball was called on San Francisco starter Robbie Ray. Manny Machado scored from

Third base to give the Padres a 1-0 lead and Xander Bogaerts advanced from second to third.

The Giants were able to respond quickly against Padres starter Nestor Cortes, who allowed a run in the bottom of the first inning.

San Diego took the lead for good in the top of the second inning after scoring two runs to take a 3-1 lead. The two runs came thanks to a two-run home run by Jose Iglesias, which was his first in a Padres uniform.

Candelita Crush pic.twitter.com/hxsovXnWJN

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 13, 2025

San Diego pushed the lead to 4-1 in the top of the fourth when Ramon Laureano scored his second run of the game on a Jake Cronenworth single through the middle of a drawn in infield that gave the Padres a three-run lead.

Cortes completed 4 2/3 innings in his second start with San Diego. He allowed one run on six hits with one walk and six strikeouts.

Robert Suarez came into the game in the bottom of the ninth inning in a non-save situation to secure the win for the Padres. He faced four batters, allowed a two out single, and ended the game with a strikeout of Rafael Devers.

FINAL: San Diego Padres 5, San Francisco Giants 1.

Robert Suarez secures the Padres' win, 5-1#MLB #ForTheFaithful pic.twitter.com/CaO0f6PoOt

— San Diego Strong (@PadresStrong) August 13, 2025

San Diego plays the final game of the series against San Francisco, Wednesday at 12:45 p.m.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...rough-for-san-diego-in-win-over-san-francisco

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Padres sweep, sit atop the NL West

Padres clobber Giants, complete sweep (Matt DeWalt – Gaslamp Ball)

David Morgan making case to be included in conversations about Padres’ dominant bullpen (Matt DeWalt – Gaslamp Ball)

Friars on fire heading into NL West showdown (AJ Cassavell – Padres.com)

Padres’ offensive onslaught keys sweep before NL West showdown (AJ Cassavell – Padres.com)

Tom Krasovic: Padres are surging while other would-be contenders wilt (Tom Krasovic – U-T)

Padres sweep Giants, head to L.A. for first-place showdown (Kevin Acee – U-T)

Padres minors: Tirso Ornelas homers twice, JP Sears wins first El Paso start (Jeff Sanders – U-T)

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...g-san-diego-padres-sweep-sit-atop-the-nl-west

 

[San Diego Padres]

The Padres’ starting rotation getting healthy at the right time

“Let’s control our destiny” is the rallying cry for the San Diego Padres.

For the next two weeks, they will play their main National League West rivals, the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers, and the outcome could determine whether the Padres enter the postseason as a division winner or a wildcard participant.

The state of the Padres’ rotation is improving​

Suddenly, the injured starting rotation list has dwindled to one name.

For the last two months, the Friars have used a makeshift starting rotation to remain in the playoff hunt. The returns of Yu Darvish, Michael King, and newly acquired Nestor Cortes has strengthened the rotation at the right time.

Darvish has pitched the most since returning to the active roster. In seven starts, he is 2-3 with a 5.61 ERA. Inconsistency can best describe his return to the mound.

Opponents are batting .238 against him, but his control has been an issue all season. Darvish’s walk percentage is up at 7.9 %, which is his highest rate since 2018 (11.7%). His strikeout percentage is 20.7 %, the lowest rate in his 13-year major league career.

King and Cortes made their returns to the mound over the last five days. King threw two innings against the Boston Red Sox at Petco Park last weekend. He was not sharp, as King gave up two runs on four hits, walked two batters, and struck out one. Cortes made his Padres debut in the desert against the Arizona Diamondbacks last Thursday. He threw 4.2 innings and gave up two runs on three hits. Cortes struck out and walked three batters in the contest.

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All three pitchers have been nursing injuries for most of the first half. Each will get at least two starts during this current stretch of games, and expectations are for them to showcase their array of pitches that quiet the opponent’s bats for a victory.

The Friars’ rebuilding starting pitching depth​

The depth of the starting rotation took a hit at the trade deadline. Stephen Kolek and Ryan Bergert were dealt to the Kansas City Royals in the Freddie Fermin trade.

Randy Vasquez is the first option, as the promising starter is working to get more consistent on the mound at El Paso. Newcomer JP Sears is trying to get his footing with a new organization. The return of Kyle Hart is just a phone call away, as he has been impressive in the long man role out of the ‘pen. The Padres aim to straighten out Bryan Hoeing and Matt Waldron before the season ends.

The additions of Darvish, King, and Cortes to the rotation have closed the gap at the top of the NL West. The team has not lost a series since the trade deadline. The challenge is on the Friars to put some distance between them and their competitors.

Finally, the Padres are in control of their destination.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...ng-rotation-getting-healthy-at-the-right-time

 

[San Diego Padres]

The Padres-Dodgers rivalry is one for the ages

San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers benches clear after Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit by a pitch at Dodger Stadium on June 19, 2025 (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The stage is set for the third act of the ongoing saga between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend. The parking lot at Dodger Stadium will be filled with tailgaters, but no mingling or sharing of beverages will take place between these two rivals. Instead, the atmosphere is expected to be heated and not for the faint of heart.

The Padres seek revenge over their rival after going 2-5 in two June series. Since that point, both teams have gone in opposite directions. The Friars have gone 30-18 since June 19, while the Dodgers have struggled with a 22-24 record since their last meeting. More importantly, the Padres cut the deficit in the standings and now lead the National League West by one game.

Each brings the best out of the other​

Like all great sports rivalries, both teams force the other to elevate their game to the next level when competing against one another. At times, pitching staffs look clueless in attempting to shut down the opposition’s bats. Timely hitting is the norm, as no lead is safe.

In the previous seven games, only one outcome would be considered a blowout victory (Friars 11-1 win on June 10). The storylines have not changed much, as optimism is running high in each dugout. Usually, one team rises, while the other offers the flair for the dramatic by responding in their next at-bat. The players feed off the energy found inside the stadium each night.

Neither team gives an inch, and believe they can dig themselves out of any deficit on the scoreboard. The rivalry has made the Padres and Dodgers better teams. The quality of play inspires everyone to work harder on the mound, in the field, and the batter’s box.

On-field drama adds to the rivalry’s attraction​

Drama is almost guaranteed when the Padres and Dodgers meet on the field. Both have talent-laden rosters that have an unflappable nature.

Trash-talking has been part of the rivalry, as neither team holds the other in high regard. You will never hear an apology for their actions on or off the field. It is part of playing in baseball’s best rivalry. The motto is hold your ground and never retreat.

Some of the more memorable confrontations between the Friars and Dodgers included Manny Machado. No one will forget Dodgers manager Dave Roberts accusing Machado of purposely throwing a ball at him inside the dugout between innings of the 2024 National League Division Series Game Two. Later, Roberts acknowledged that he lied about the incident to take some heat off his team following a defeat.

Another controversial incident took place between Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol and Machado in the 2020 NLDS. Both players exchanged words during an at-bat that led to Graterol blowing a kiss in Machado’s direction. The umpires eased the tension between the two teams and restored order for the game to resume.

Where does the rivalry stand in terms of baseball history? Well, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox rivalry has withstood the test of time. But the Padres-Dodgers rivalry dominates the daily sports media coverage today.

Sustaining the rivalry is the next test for both teams. Scenarios can change quickly in baseball. Often, the turnover of rosters removes the luster of such a cherished matchup. Winning preserves these dates on the season calendar each year.

The Friars and Dodgers have built a great rivalry, probably the best in sports today. Let’s enjoy the games because they will be intense affairs.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...he-padres-dodgers-rivalry-is-one-for-the-ages

 

[San Diego Padres]

San Diego drops first game of series to Los Angeles

Manny Machado stepped to the plate in the eighth inning with runners at first and second with two outs. The San Diego Padres were trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 and a base hit from Machado would have a chance to score Jake Cronenworth from second base to tie the game.

The Dodgers elected to bring in Blake Treinen from the bullpen for Alex Vesia, who hit two batters and allowed a walk to load the bases. Treinen made one pitch to Machado and induced a pop fly toward shortstop that was caught by Mookie Betts to end the Padres’ scoring chances and the inning.

San Diego was unable to mount a scoring threat in the top of the ninth inning and Los Angeles went on to win the first game of the three-game series, 3-2 at Dodgers Stadium, Friday.

The Padres opened the scoring against the Dodgers when Ramon Laureano connected on a solo home run to left field in the top of the second inning. The homer gave San Diego a 1-0 lead.

Ramón is really that guy. pic.twitter.com/UBgK9YCV24

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 16, 2025

Los Angeles responded in the bottom of the third inning and plated two runs to take a 2-1 lead. The Dodgers added their third run of the game in the bottom of the seventh inning when Teoscar Hernandez hit a solo home run off Jeremiah Estrada to put Los Angeles up, 3-1.

Teoscar Hernández – Los Angeles Dodgers (19)
pic.twitter.com/kUuZN7XRHu

— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) August 16, 2025

San Diego loaded the bases with one out in the top of the eighth prior to Machado’s plate appearance. Luis Arraez hit a fly ball down the left field line that was caught by left fielder Alex Call. Jose Iglesias was able to tag up on the play and score to cut the deficit to 3-2.

The Padres play the Dodgers, Saturday at 6:10 p.m.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...ego-drops-first-game-of-series-to-los-angeles