Kings Likely to Miss Out on the Playoffs

The Padres have been on fire since the All-Star break, locking down their third playoff appearance since 2020.

Star hitter Manny Machado has rebounded after a slow start following offseason elbow surgery. Meanwhile, Fernando Tatis Jr. has returned to form with his signature confidence after missing two months due to injury. Center fielder Jackson Merrill has also emerged as a strong contender for NL Rookie of the Year honors.

Luis Arraez, who was traded from Miami in early May, finished the season with a .314 batting average, making history as the first player since the 1800s to win batting titles with three different teams. General manager A.J. Preller further bolstered the team by enhancing both the starting rotation and bullpen at the trade deadline.

“Honestly, it’s just a great group of guys,” Machado said. “We’re all united and rooting for each other. It feels like one big family in there.”