Padres power drought looms large as they sit one game ahead of the Dodgers in the NL West with the season’s last stretch fast approaching. San Diego has just 110 home runs, second-fewest in baseball, and history suggests teams near the bottom in homers rarely win the World Series. The path out? Machado, Bogaerts, and Tatis Jr. must lift the offense while Cronenworth, Arraez, and Fermin contribute with timely pops. A healthier Merrill would also stabilize the pitching. The upcoming Dodgers series adds urgency and a clear test of whether San Diego can buck historical trends.

With the lineup relying on big hits, every swing matters down the stretch. If the Padres can spark a power surge, their October odds could improve significantly despite the season-long power drought. The Dodgers series finale becomes a microcosm of the Padres’ chance to flip the narrative and push toward a championship run rather than a battleship of history.

San Diego rode a timely seventh-inning strike to a 4-1 victory over San Francisco, with Jake Cronenworth delivering the go-ahead RBI and Freddy Fermin launching a two-run shot to pad the cushion. The win keeps the Padres rolling, five wins in their last six, and solidifies their hold on a healthy second place in the NL West. San Diego will send Nestor Cortes to the mound, still shaking off rust after his deadline swap, while the Giants counter with Robbie Ray, who has shown elite form but has begun to show wear as the season wears on.

Machado continues to be a central figure for the offense, highlighted by a recent surge that includes a .491 slugging percentage and a .297 average. The Padres’ attack has clicked to the tune of .277/.367/.407 over the last 14 games, and their bullpen has maintained its top-tier status since the trade deadline. Oracle Park’s dimensions favor both sides at times, but the Padres have leaned on gap power and bullish plate appearances to manufacture runs, while the Giants have struggled at home after recent travel and rest.

Looking ahead, the matchup leans Padres with Cortes still finding his footing and Ray navigating fatigue. The betting angle—Padres at even money on the run line in a tighter home-hitter park—reflects belief in San Diego’s offense and bullpen, even as San Francisco tries to slow the surge. Expect Cronenworth and Machado to be central, with Fermin contributing more when the lineup rotates through the order. The Padres’ recent surge makes them a compelling value in back-to-back contests.

Padres deadline moves are paying immediate dividends. Ramon Laureano’s walk-off capped a 5-4 win, extending San Diego’s hot streak to 5-3 since the trade deadline. Laureano, eight games in, has 10 hits, 8 RBIs, 4 runs and a homer, showcasing how the late-augur acquisitions can spark in high-leverage spots.

The club’s deadline haul—Mason Miller, JP Sears, Nestor Cortes, Ryan O’Hearn, Freddy Fermin and Laureano—has translated to on-field impact and renewed depth. Laureano even admitted he didn’t know the signs, choosing to swing and then embrace a bunt scenario that flipped the game. Cronenworth and Bogaerts have joined Laureano in providing steady offense, underscoring a new era of Padres versatility as fantasy managers recalibrate expectations.

Fantasy managers should monitor the Padres’ shifting lineup with multiple contributors carrying upside. The blend of veterans and seasoned arms from the deadline could yield weekly value in all formats, particularly with Laureano’s power/speed blend and the immediate run support from the midseason acquisitions.

In a thrilling doubleheader, the Cleveland Guardians faced off against the Kansas City Royals, splitting the series after a 6-4 victory in the nightcap. Steve Kwan, showcasing his recent power surge, hit his third home run in three games, further solidifying his role as a key performer for the Guardians. Johnathan Rodriguez contributed significantly by driving in two runs with a double, while Brayan Rocchio also had a notable performance with two doubles.

In the opener, the Royals secured a dramatic 5-3 win with Jonathan India's walk-off three-run homer, highlighting the competitiveness of both teams. Tanner Bibee pitched effectively for Cleveland, striking out eight over five innings, supported by a strong bullpen effort that saw Nic Enright and Hunter Gaddis combine for three scoreless innings. Despite Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. and Freddy Fermin also hitting two-run homers, they struggled offensively in the latter part of the game, managing only one hit in the final four innings. This win is crucial for the Guardians as they continue to push for a playoff spot.

This week's exploration of American League free agents highlights key pitchers and hitters poised for impact in the latter part of the season. Among them, Shane Bieber is in recovery but could return soon, while Richard Fitts faces pressure in the Red Sox rotation. Luis Gil's return from injury is anticipated, adding depth to the Yankees. Keider Montero has shown promise for the Tigers, while Trevor Rogers is proving his worth with impressive stats for the Orioles.

In the realm of hitters, Victor Caratini is heating up for the Astros, and Freddy Fermin has potential as he secures more playing time with the Royals. Romy Gonzalez is drawing attention for his powerful performance, although he faces competition. Each player discussed merits attention for FAAB budgets, with evaluations based on potential contributions and recent performances.