Reasons for optimism: Padres on verge of clinching postseason berth

With three-fifths of the starting rotation out for nearly three months, the Padres stumbled into the All-Star break with a 48-49 record. Their playoff hopes seemed lost, as they sit 13.5 games back in the National League West standings.

However, with the blink of an eye, the Friars went on a 39-12 run since July 17. It has tied them with the Milwaukee Brewers for the best record since the start of the second half. The hot streak has allowed the Padres to separate themselves from the Arizona Diamondbacks over the last 10 games.

But more work remains in the final week of the regular season. The Friars are tied with the Chicago Cubs for the top Wild Card berth. The Cubs hold the advantage, as they took the season series. To claim home field advantage in the Wild Card round, San Diego will have to finish one game ahead of them in the standings at season's end.