Padres’ offense comes alive in loss; Yu Darvish appears on track to join rotation some time in July; Gavin Sheets homers, doubles and singles

The San Diego Padres entered the weekend with a 4-6 record in their last 10 games, but they still have one of the best records in the National League. With the MLB trade deadline just over a month out, San Diego is reportedly willing to be aggressive to upgrade one key spot in its lineup.

The San Diego Padres are expected to be active at the trade deadline this summer, but where the front office will focus on remains somewhat of a mystery. More news: Padres Linked to $50 Million All-Star,

The Arizona Diamondbacks will hunt for a home series sweep over National League West rival San Diego on Sunday afternoon behind Merrill Kelly, their most efficient pitcher this season.

The Padres offense finally figured out how to hit with runners in scoring position, building a 7-3 lead over the Diamondbacks, only to watch Robert Suarez, their All-Star closer, blow it in a head-scratching 8-7 loss that handed Arizona the series win and San Diego a third straight loss.

Sliding into second base, Jackson Merrill appeared to have suffered an injury, and after the game, Padres manager Mike Shildt provided an update. According to Annie Helibrunn of the San Diego Sports Association on Twitter/X,

The right-hander eyes return from Tommy John surgery and manager Dave Roberts tracks UCLA’s College World Series run.

Arizona responded in the bottom half of the seventh drawing back-to-back two-out walks off Jeremiah Estrada. However, Estrada got Marte to ground out to Jake Cronenworth at second base to end the threat and the inning.