The San Diego Padres defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 7-3 at Petco Park, taking two games out of their three-game series. This victory helped the Padres solidify their position as they prepare for the upcoming baseball season and build momentum towards the playoffs.
Roster Moves: Vasquez Demoted and Cortes Activated
Prior to Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, the Padres made a significant roster adjustment by optioning starting pitcher Randy Vasquez to Triple-A. This move coincided with the activation of Nestor Cortes from the 60-day injured list. San Diego had acquired Cortes at the trade deadline to strengthen the back end of their starting rotation, aiming for a stronger pitching lineup as the postseason approaches.
Trade Deadline Activity and Dylan Cease Rumors
At the trade deadline, the Padres explored potential trades involving pitcher Dylan Cease. Although interest was reported, a deal never materialized. Subsequently, it was revealed that San Diego’s asking price for Cease was notably high, reflecting the value they placed on his potential as a top-tier starting pitcher. This premium demand likely contributed to the absence of a trade before the deadline passed.
Manny Machado Addresses Padres-Dodgers Rivalry Ahead of 2025
With the 2025 playoffs on the horizon, third baseman Manny Machado openly discussed the intense rivalry between the Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Machado emphasized the importance of overcoming the Dodgers to advance, stating plainly,
“We’ve got to go through the Dodgers.”
This rivalry remains a central focus for the Padres as they aim to challenge their longtime division rivals and make a deep postseason run.
Looking Forward: What This Means for the Padres
The Padres’ recent roster adjustments and Machado’s candid remarks underscore the team’s determination to improve and compete at the highest level in the coming season. Securing key players like Nestor Cortes and maintaining a strong rotation will be essential as the Padres aim to stay competitive against formidable opponents like the Dodgers. Their performance in the playoffs, particularly against their rivals, will likely define their success and shape the trajectory of the franchise moving forward.