San Diego Padres highlight improved performance since All-Star break

The San Diego Padres have surged in the standings since the All-Star break, now a game ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL Wild Card race. On June 30, the Padres were third in the NL West but now trail the Los Angeles Dodgers by nine games. Their offensive performance has markedly improved, raising their batting average from.226 to.272. While their starting pitching has remained average, the bullpen has excelled throughout the season. Key contributors include Jackson Merrill, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado. The Padres face tough opponents like the Tampa Bay Rays and Dodgers as the regular season concludes.

• 11:31 PMYahoo Sports — How Padres Turned Season Around Post-All Star Break