Dennis Lin

Adrian Morejon tonight: 18 pitches, 15 strikes and four strikeouts, including one on his new kick-change. He’s become one of the best relievers in baseball: nytimes.com/athletic/65144…

Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Aug. 31 as part of the league’s gambling investigation. Luis Ortiz is already under the same parameters.

The personalities of MLB's trade deadline: Hunters, Fishermen and the Cleveland Grind Machine dlvr.it/TM8ntL

It’s been nine years since Adrian Morejon entered the Padres organization. Now, he’s throwing a kick-change and finally meeting lofty expectations. He’s been a lifesaver for the Padres and their hopes of returning to October: nytimes.com/athletic/65144…

Manny Machado had some choice words for Cardinals coach Jon Jay after the two exchanged words during a benches-clearing incident in the 9th. More w/ @dennistlin: nytimes.com/athletic/65176… Padres, Cardinals clear benches for second straight game after unintentional hit-by-pitch

A year ago, the Padres opened the second half with a 7-2 trip. A year later, they’ve lost four straight on the road against a pair of rebuilding teams. San Diego, days from the trade deadline, is entering dangerous territory: nytimes.com/athletic/65165…

Jarren Duran trade rumors have been swirling but Marcelo Mayer's injury and Ceddanne Rafaela's shift to the infield makes Duran that much more important for the Red Sox. "We believe that we're a playoff team." Where things stand with the deadline looming nytimes.com/athletic/65163…

Michael King is scheduled to throw a simulated game Monday at Petco Park.

Why A.J. Preller’s trade deadline approach will be as urgent as ever. Column: nytimes.com/athletic/65149…

Sandy Alcantara delivered his best start of the season in what might have been his final start for the Marlins. It came against a Padres team that has expressed interest — and is listening on one of its own top pitchers: nytimes.com/athletic/64893…

Martín Maldonado has legged out a double in three consecutive starts.

How will the Padres’ long-term needs influence their trade deadline plans? nytimes.com/athletic/65076…

A.J. Preller and the Padres entered the All-Star break today with all signs pointing to another aggressive trade deadline: nytimes.com/athletic/64917…

A day after clinching a series win against the Phillies, the Padres lost 2-1 to enter the break at 52-44. Not great but also not bad, all things considered. The Padres have gone 34-20 in games decided by one or two runs. They’ve also had 55 quality starts thrown against them.

Jackson Merrill is the first player to hit multiple home runs off Zack Wheeler in the same game since Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey did it on April 20, 2021. Merrill hadn’t homered in his past 34 games. Wheeler hadn’t given up multiple homers all season.

Phillies think MLB has made a mockery of the All-Star Game by naming a rookie with 5 GS over their guys. MLB says Cris Sánchez and Ranger Suárez were All-Stars -- if they agreed to pitch in game. They didn't. “What a joke. That’s f— terrible." Story: nytimes.com/athletic/64895…

Adrian Morejon, named a replacement today for Zack Wheeler, is the Padres’ first homegrown All-Star pitcher since Jake Peavy in 2007. San Diego signed the Cuban lefty for $11 million in July 2016.

The White Sox (30-60) and Rockies (21-69) played this 4th of July weekend. I was in Colorado to cover it. One Rox player: “It should be a highlight on SportsCenter. This is the World Series for the two worst teams.” Read: nytimes.com/athletic/64774…

Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill and the Padres’ search for their former offense: nytimes.com/athletic/64741…

Yu Darvish will make his season debut tomorrow against the Diamondbacks, Mike Shildt said.