Padres set to open series against Dodgers with chance to clinch postseason berth

There is no one person to thank for the Padres' second half turnaround. It's been a collective effort from players like Fernando Tatis Jr. , Jackson Merrill , Ty France and at times some combination of Manny Machado , Luis Campusano , Dustin Harris or Samad Taylor on the offensive side. On the pitching side, Michael King has been looking like the ace the Friar Faithful have expected him to be. Walker Buehler looked like he was going to be off the team heading into the All-Star break, but he has rebounded with a solid second half and the return of Nick Pivetta has been impressive to say the least.

Of course, none of the second half success for San Diego would have been possible without the play of the bullpen. Mason Miller showed he is human in a couple of situations, but he remains an extraordinary human. Adrian Morejon looks like a lock to be the top-paid reliever in the offseason — and with new ownership that does not necessarily mean he is going to be with the Dodgers next season. Bradgley Rodriguez and Yuki Matsui have solidified their roles, and Kyle Hart has shown to be a dependable lefty who can provide length.

All of these players and more have helped the Padres pull even with the Chicago Cubs for the top National League Wild Card spot. It is also why they are a game ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies for the No. 2 spot and why they are five games clear of the Diamondbacks. There is still plenty to play even putting aside the possibility of clinching a postseason berth. San Diego could have a chance to HOST a postseason series, which would give the Friars the upper hand against any of the playoff contenders and would be a nice reward for the devoted fans of the Padres who have packed Petco Park night in and night out throughout the season.