Padres in precarious position as play resumes following All-Star break

ASFN Admin · Friday at 6:42 AM

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 12: Manager Craig Stammen #14 of the San Diego Padres walks to the dugout during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Petco Park on July 12, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As MLB baseball returns to action following the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, many franchises will take stock of what they have, what they need and what the need to see from their team as they make decisions about how to approach the looming trade deadline. The San Diego Padres are no different and the self-evaluation has likely been underway since their right-game losing streak that saw them drop below .500. It took back-to-back wins for the Padres to get back to even heading into the break. With a record of 48-48, San Diego president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller must make a decision about his club. Do they buy, sell or stand at the deadline? For the first time in a long time, Preller may not yet know the answer to that question, but the 10-game road trip to open the second half of the season will go a long way in inforing that decision.

Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball says it is important for the Padres to get out to a fast start and play with urgency when they return to action tonight against the Kansas City Royals. San Diego manager Craig Stammen drew some criticism last week when he said he does not manage every game like it is Game 7, but for all intents and purposes, he will have to do that starting tonight – the fate of his team for the 2026 season may depend on it. There are variables beyond Stammen’s control, health of his players being one of the most critical. That means the decisions he makes with the players he has will be that much more critical. When he pulls a starter or how long he goes with a reliever could determine the outcome of a game. When to pinch-hit and with what batter could also make or break the season in a July game against the Royals.

It is often said in MLB that general managers, team presidents and even some owners want to be buyers at the deadline. If you are buying your team is competing. Many times, a significant win streak or some dominant and convincing play is enough to tell decision makers to go all-in. However, the opposite is true. An extended losing streak or poor play could signify it is time to start planning for next season.

Fans of the Padres are called the Friar Faithful and a phrase often said around or about the team is “Keep the Faith.” It is that time of year where fans want to believe their team has a chance to get into the postseason. It is up to the players to show them and their organizational leadership that the postseason can be a reality.

Padres News:

Ethan Salas and Kash Mayfield take the main stage in the minor league system and the Padres affiliates continue their work at their respective levels.

Thomas Conroy of Gaslamp Ball is a baseball purist, but even he can admit the advent of the ABS Challenge System has been good for baseball.

Manny Machado was heating up heading into the All-Star break. Perhaps his early season struggles are behind him and the third baseman can propel his team through the second half.