The Dodgers didn't exactly enhance their talent level ahead of this week's trade deadline. However, they did enhance the depth of their roster. "From one to twenty-six," stated manager Dave Roberts on Friday afternoon, "this is the most extensive lineup we've had." During Friday night's 10-5 victory over the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers vividly illustrated his point. The effectiveness of the Dodgers' innovative platoon-oriented, option-abundant strategy was evident in the eighth inning, as they manufactured five runs to transform a 3-2 deficit into a 7-3 advantage. Their reinvigorated pitching staff made up for a brief outing by Bobby Miller, with five relievers covering 5⅓ innings to guide the team to its fourth consecutive triumph.

As the deadline day approaches, the Padres present an intriguing situation in the league. Following their recent loss to the Rockies, San Diego finds itself five games behind in the Wild Card race. According to a tweet from Buster Olney of ESPN on Monday afternoon, the Padres are actively assessing the market for potential additions to their outfield/designated hitter mix and bullpen. Meanwhile, Jon Heyman of the New York Post stated on Twitter that the Padres' asking price for Josh Hader in trade talks is so high that other teams believe they are likely to retain him beyond the deadline. Despite facing some challenges, the San Diego management has been clear about their preference to strengthen the team for a playoff push rather than dismantling it, especially after a bold offseason. This strategy seems to remain unchanged, and the recent sweep of the AL West-leading Rangers over the weekend may have given the front office the confidence to pursue acquisitions.

The San Diego Padres are on the brink of selling. At 45-50 entering Wednesday's play, they're 10.5 games back in the NL West and 7.5 games back of the third Wild Card spot in the National League. They're not dead yet, but they're awfully close.

Following his impressive four-hit performance against the San Diego Padres on Friday, Francisco Alvarez, the New York Mets, are set to face the Padres once again. The Padres are led by Fernando Tatis Jr., who boasts a batting average of .286 along with 19 doubles, a triple, and 16 home runs. Manny Machado has been performing well, going 13-for-43 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in the last 10 games. On the Mets' side, Francisco Lindor has showcased his power with 19 home runs, along with 36 walks and 60 RBIs, despite maintaining a .239 batting average. Tommy Pham of the Padres has been on a roll, going 16-for-41 with four doubles, two home runs, and five RBIs in the last 10 games.

David Freese has decided to decline his induction into the St. Louis Cardinals' Hall of Fame. The former third baseman was a postseason hero for his hometown team in helping the Cardinals win the 2011 World Series. He was chosen for the Hall of Fame by fans, garnering the most votes in online balloting for this year's class. But in a statement Saturday, the Cardinals said Freese recently informed them he wanted to withdraw his candidacy. That leaves José Oquendo and Max Lanier to be enshrined during ceremonies on Aug. 20.

David Freese, whose heroics in the 2011 postseason led the St. Louis Cardinals to the World Series title, has decided after "an extreme amount of thought" to decline an invitation to join the team's Hall of Fame, he announced Saturday. "This is something that I have given an extreme amount of thought to, humbly, even before the voting process began," Freese said in a statement. "I am aware of the impact I had helping the team bring great memories to the city I grew up in, including the 11th championship. ... "I feel strongly about my decision and understand how people might feel about this. I get it. I'll wear it. Thank you for always being there for me, and I am excited to be around the Cardinals as we move forward."

Enjoy this interview with our own color analyst, Mark Grant. He had many insights on his life, career and the 2021 Padres.

Former Padres pitcher, Keith Comstock, is featured in this story. It's an interesting tale.

HELL YES THEY DID!