Fernando Tatís Jr. returned from illness to power San Diego’s October push, drilling a fourth‑inning grand slam in a 7‑4 win over Arizona that kept the Padres in the race for a home playoff spot. The blast capped a season marked by durability and a 24th homer, 70 RBIs, 157 hits and 109 runs in a career‑high 153 games. San Diego’s playoff odds hinge on weekend results against Arizona and Cubs losses, with Tatís aiming to ride postseason pedigree into another deep run.

San Diego’s club celebrations were tempered by Tatís’ absence earlier in the week, but his return energized a lineup and bullpen foundation as they chase a potential host series. Manager Mike Shildt acknowledged Tatís’ power and danger, while Tatís himself signaled readiness for October adrenaline. The Padres also benefited from Mason Miller’s four‑out save to seal the win and keep momentum heading into the final laps of the season.

The path to the postseason remains tight, as Milwaukee’s heavy record and Chicago’s 90‑win pace loom. Tatís’ previous postseason power—six home runs and 12 RBIs in 13 playoff games with a 1.328 OPS—gives fantasy players a clear signal: lean into San Diego’s lineup heavyweights as October baseball arrives.

D-backs playoff hopes are fading after an 8-0 loss to the Dodgers as Arizona shuffled its rotation in real time. Crismatt was hit hard early, Beeks opened, Gallen rests, and the offense never got going against Yamamoto, producing only singles with Ketel Marte the lone extra-base hit late. The result tightens the race: Arizona must win its upcoming series in San Diego while Reds wins tighten the path to elimination.

Fantasy takeaway: monitor Gallen’s return timeline, how the D-backs deploy the bullpen (Pope’s MLB debut provided a spark, Rashi delivered three scoreless innings), and any shifts in the lineup behind Marte. A near-miracle is needed, but bullpen depth and late-inning performance could still influence streaming choices.