Sports reporter

Kevin Acee

Kevin Acee has been at The San Diego Union-Tribune since 1999 and a sportswriter for more than three decades. Before assuming his role as Padres beat writer, Acee was the Union-Tribune’s lead Chargers beat writer for seven seasons and then a columnist for six years. A San Diego native and Chico State alumnus, he covered the Anaheim Angels for The Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Dodgers for the Daily News of Los Angeles.

Jurickson Profar leading the Padres in many ways; Michael King reaches new highs; Jeremiah Estrada, still weakened by illness, is pitching better; Ha-Seong Kim makes important contact

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: No regression; King’s lesson; Estrada’s recovery; Morejón’s confidence

July 5, 2024 at 6:30 a.m.

Jurickson Profar leading the Padres in many ways; Michael King reaches new highs; Jeremiah Estrada, still weakened by illness, is pitching better; Ha-Seong Kim makes important contact

Jurickson Profar scores twice, homers and throws out a runner at home in 3-1 victory; Michael King passes career high in innings in win

San Diego Padres |
Jurickson Profar shows Texas what he means to Padres in series win over Rangers

July 4, 2024 at 4:08 p.m.

Jurickson Profar scores twice, homers and throws out a runner at home in 3-1 victory; Michael King passes career high in innings in win

David Peralta was batting below .200 with an OPS below .500 before he belted the game-winning home run on Wednesday; starting pitchers are too often weighing down the team

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: David Peralta’s relief; rotation situation has to improve; perfect pen day

July 4, 2024 at 11:12 a.m.

David Peralta was batting below .200 with an OPS below .500 before he belted the game-winning home run on Wednesday; starting pitchers are too often weighing down the team

David Peralta's first home run with Padres is a decisive one, Robert Suarez earns 21st save

San Diego Padres |
Padres come back, beat Rangers on David Peralta’s blast

July 3, 2024 at 9:57 p.m.

David Peralta's first home run with Padres is a decisive one, Robert Suarez earns 21st save

No Padres outfielder has started in the All-Star game since Tony Gwynn in 1998; just eight MLB players have ever done what Jurickson Profar has accomplished, being named a starter for his All-Star debut after 11 seasons in the majors

San Diego Padres |
Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr. named All-Star starters

July 3, 2024 at 5:18 p.m.

No Padres outfielder has started in the All-Star game since Tony Gwynn in 1998; just eight MLB players have ever done what Jurickson Profar has accomplished, being named a starter...

Padres' 11 consecutive victories against Rangers featured some big moments; Dylan Cease's struggles Tuesday highlight a recurring issue for Padres; other streaks ended too

Padres Daily: A good run vs. Rangers ends; the Cease conundrum

July 3, 2024 at 6:30 a.m.

Padres' 11 consecutive victories against Rangers featured some big moments; Dylan Cease's struggles Tuesday highlight a recurring issue for Padres; other streaks ended too

Rangers score five runs in first three innings, six runs in all against Dylan Cease, as they stop losing streak against Padres at 11 games

San Diego Padres |
Padres’ winning streak against Rangers is Cease-d

July 3, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

Rangers score five runs in first three innings, six runs in all against Dylan Cease, as they stop losing streak against Padres at 11 games

Xander Bogaerts OK'd for return to play; Manny Machado serves as DH for fourth time in five games; Ha-Seong Kim's discipline starting to lead to hits; Eguy Rosario continues work in outfield

San Diego Padres |
Padres notes: Xander Bogaerts ‘ready’ for rehab assignment; Manny Machado gets a break

July 2, 2024 at 4:40 p.m.

Xander Bogaerts OK'd for return to play; Manny Machado serves as DH for fourth time in five games; Ha-Seong Kim's discipline starting to lead to hits; Eguy Rosario continues work...

Kyle Higashioka latest in a line of catchers to arrive in San Diego as a fill-in and contribute in a big way

San Diego Padres |
Kyle Higashioka gives Padres a lift at the plate — and behind it, too

July 1, 2024 at 9:52 p.m.

Kyle Higashioka latest in a line of catchers to arrive in San Diego as a fill-in and contribute in a big way

Padres lost a game after winning a lot of them; second day off in five-day span allows for potential mixing up of rotation; David Peralta has provided positive energy, if not a lot of hits

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Just a loss; rotation machinations; David Peralta’s perspective

July 1, 2024 at 9:03 a.m.

Padres lost a game after winning a lot of them; second day off in five-day span allows for potential mixing up of rotation; David Peralta has provided positive energy, if...

Matt Waldron took Sunday's loss hard after pitching in the ballpark where one of his mentors did; Xander Bogaerts appears close to starting rehab assignment, Luis Campusano will begin on Monday

San Diego Padres |
Padres notes: Waldron’s tough day in Wakefield’s shadow; Bogaerts, Campusano injury updates

June 30, 2024 at 3:47 p.m.

Matt Waldron took Sunday's loss hard after pitching in the ballpark where one of his mentors did; Xander Bogaerts appears close to starting rehab assignment, Luis Campusano will begin on...

Padres' five-game winning streak ends, as does knuckleballer Matt Waldron's run of six quality starts

San Diego Padres |
Red Sox get better of Matt Waldron, Padres in series finale

June 30, 2024 at 4:14 p.m.

Padres' five-game winning streak ends, as does knuckleballer Matt Waldron's run of six quality starts

Padres are not having the letdowns they did earlier in the season; Manny Machado is on one of his runs; Brett Sullivan relishes contribution with a homer just inside Pesky's Pole

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Consistency, for now; Manny helps too; Sully’s Pesky shot

June 30, 2024 at 6:31 a.m.

Padres are not having the letdowns they did earlier in the season; Manny Machado is on one of his runs; Brett Sullivan relishes contribution with a homer just inside Pesky's...

Manny Machado hit two home runs at a ballpark he has played and homered in quite a bit; Michael King bought a lot of tickets for Saturday's game; Randy Vasquez's next start could be pushed back

San Diego Padres |
Padres notes: Machado hears unfamiliar sound on big day at Fenway; King pays to pitch

June 29, 2024 at 7:18 p.m.

Manny Machado hit two home runs at a ballpark he has played and homered in quite a bit; Michael King bought a lot of tickets for Saturday's game; Randy Vasquez's...

Manny Machado homers twice, Jackson Merrill homers for ninth time in 16 games, Brett Sullivan adds his first home of the season in second straight rout at Fenway Park

San Diego Padres |
Padres beat Tanner Houck, Red Sox for ninth win in 10 games

June 29, 2024 at 7:20 p.m.

Manny Machado homers twice, Jackson Merrill homers for ninth time in 16 games, Brett Sullivan adds his first home of the season in second straight rout at Fenway Park

There was finally something Jackson Merrill did that he couldn't be stoic about; Austin Davis is the Padres' newest reliever, and he is pretty much a new reliever

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Merrill’s moment (and his mom’s); Bogaerts soaks in Fenway return; new reliever

June 29, 2024 at 7:46 a.m.

There was finally something Jackson Merrill did that he couldn't be stoic about; Austin Davis is the Padres' newest reliever, and he is pretty much a new reliever

Home runs by Kyle Higashioka and Jackson Merrill homer in big inning; Randy Vasquez departs after being hit on right (throwing) forearm by a line drive

San Diego Padres |
Nine-run inning lifts Padres past Red Sox

June 28, 2024 at 8:03 p.m.

Home runs by Kyle Higashioka and Jackson Merrill homer in big inning; Randy Vasquez departs after being hit on right (throwing) forearm by a line drive

Dylan Cease changes results; Kyle Higashioka plays a shorter long game; bullpen might need some help; the grind eases for a bit

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Dylan Cease good again; Kyle Higashioka pulling his weight; pen problems; schedule help

June 27, 2024 at 6:40 a.m.

Dylan Cease changes results; Kyle Higashioka plays a shorter long game; bullpen might need some help; the grind eases for a bit

After two dramatic wins, even Wednesday's game getting close late seemed tame; Dylan Cease throws 7 scoreless innings and Kyle Higashioka hits two home runs, including an eighth-inning grand slam

San Diego Padres |
Padres ease into sweep of Nationals powered by Dylan Cease, Kyle Higashioka

June 26, 2024 at 7:22 p.m.

After two dramatic wins, even Wednesday's game getting close late seemed tame; Dylan Cease throws 7 scoreless innings and Kyle Higashioka hits two home runs, including an eighth-inning grand slam

Jurickson Profar once again is in the middle of a game's biggest moments; Manny Machado loudly answers Nationals; Jeremiah Estrada is barely eating, has kept pitching through illness

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Profar keeps getting it done; Manny’s moment; Estrada’s battle

June 26, 2024 at 11:24 a.m.

Jurickson Profar once again is in the middle of a game's biggest moments; Manny Machado loudly answers Nationals; Jeremiah Estrada is barely eating, has kept pitching through illness

Fernando Tatis Jr. said he has felt pain in leg almost since start of the season; Jurickson Profar is the Padres' most clutch performer; team keeps accomplishing rare feats

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Fernando Tatis Jr. talks; Jurickson Profar delivers (again); Donovan Solano signing pays off

June 25, 2024 at 10:59 a.m.

Fernando Tatis Jr. said he has felt pain in leg almost since start of the season; Jurickson Profar is the Padres' most clutch performer; team keeps accomplishing rare feats

Jurickson Profar's single in the 10th inning caps Padres comeback

San Diego Padres |
Jurickson Profar, Padres beat Nationals with another walk-off

June 25, 2024 at 8:31 a.m.

Jurickson Profar's single in the 10th inning caps Padres comeback

Padres make a slew of moves around key injuries to right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. and starting pitcher Yu Darvish; Bryce Johnson will start in right field in Monday's series opener against the Nationals

San Diego Padres |
Padres pregame: Tatis to the IL with stress reaction; Darvish delayed by elbow discomfort

June 24, 2024 at 5:01 p.m.

Padres make a slew of moves around key injuries to right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. and starting pitcher Yu Darvish; Bryce Johnson will start in right field in Monday's series...

Yu Darvish did not do his scheduled pre-start bullpen session and might not return from IL on Tuesday after all; Padres vastly improved at home

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Status of Yu Darvish, Fernando Tatis Jr. still unknown; home sweet home

June 24, 2024 at 6:30 a.m.

Yu Darvish did not do his scheduled pre-start bullpen session and might not return from IL on Tuesday after all; Padres vastly improved at home

Michael King allows five runs on six hits in the second inning as Brewers salvage finale of four-game series

San Diego Padres |
Brewers get to Michael King early this time, deny Padres sweep

June 23, 2024 at 6:26 p.m.

Michael King allows five runs on six hits in the second inning as Brewers salvage finale of four-game series

Jackson Merrill hit his seventh home run in 10 games, Randy Vásquez went five innings and Robert Suarez got the final out after Brewers hit a grand slam with two outs in the ninth

San Diego Padres |
Padres beat Brewers, reach season’s midway point with winning record

June 22, 2024 at 8:26 p.m.

Jackson Merrill hit his seventh home run in 10 games, Randy Vásquez went five innings and Robert Suarez got the final out after Brewers hit a grand slam with two...

Padres are playing better, but two of their better players weren't playing at the end of last night's game and are nursing leg injuries; Jake Cronenworth has a career night; Padres having better answers

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Resilient team in a precarious situation; Cronenworth in the Arraez Zone; Cease (sort of) better

June 22, 2024 at 6:31 a.m.

Padres are playing better, but two of their better players weren't playing at the end of last night's game and are nursing leg injuries; Jake Cronenworth has a career night;...

Fernando Tatis Jr. leaves after being hit in the upper arm by pitch, and Jurickson Profar is pulled following aggravation of knee injury

San Diego Padres |
Padres beat Brewers, but lose Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jurickson Profar

June 21, 2024 at 10:51 p.m.

Fernando Tatis Jr. leaves after being hit in the upper arm by pitch, and Jurickson Profar is pulled following aggravation of knee injury

Jake Cronenworth stole the show, but the night's underlying theme was not so great for Padres; Fernando Tatis Jr.'s 60th Petco park homer was his longest; Xander Bogaerts is changing follow-through to protect shoulder

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: A blast, but the bullpen; Machado, Tatis, Merrill HR talk; Bogaerts pushing with both hands

June 21, 2024 at 9:22 a.m.

Jake Cronenworth stole the show, but the night's underlying theme was not so great for Padres; Fernando Tatis Jr.'s 60th Petco park homer was his longest; Xander Bogaerts is changing...

Padres veteran, having best year of his career, asserts team is far better than its record but needs to stop finding 'ways to lose games.'

San Diego Padres |
Jurickson Profar just wants Padres to ‘play better’

June 20, 2024 at 10:12 p.m.

Padres veteran, having best year of his career, asserts team is far better than its record but needs to stop finding 'ways to lose games.'

Padres closer has worked four innings more than any other pitcher with at least 15 saves; Joe Musgrove throws for first time; Yu Darvish set to return; Xander Bogaerts progressing

San Diego Padres |
Padres notes: Why Robert Suarez’s unique usage is workable; injury updates

June 21, 2024 at 4:47 p.m.

Padres closer has worked four innings more than any other pitcher with at least 15 saves; Joe Musgrove throws for first time; Yu Darvish set to return; Xander Bogaerts progressing

Manny Machado knows when it's time to go all-out to first base, and one of those times was in Wednesday's eighth inning; Kyle Higashioka's first career triple happened just about the way he envisioned

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Machado’s big hustle; Higashioka’s perfect accident; Sugar’s slowdown; Merrill’s swing strategy

June 20, 2024 at 6:30 a.m.

Manny Machado knows when it's time to go all-out to first base, and one of those times was in Wednesday's eighth inning; Kyle Higashioka's first career triple happened just about...

Phillies are latest team to be unable to solve knuckleball, as Matt Waldron holds them to a run in seven innings and lowers his ERA to 1.82 over his past eight starts

San Diego Padres |
Matt Waldron continues to pitch like Padres’ ace

June 19, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

Phillies are latest team to be unable to solve knuckleball, as Matt Waldron holds them to a run in seven innings and lowers his ERA to 1.82 over his past...

Win to cap 1-5 road trip 'a step in the right direction,' catcher Kyle Higashioka says

San Diego Padres |
Padres beat Ranger Suarez, Phillies, avoid winless road trip

June 19, 2024 at 5:18 p.m.

Win to cap 1-5 road trip 'a step in the right direction,' catcher Kyle Higashioka says

Padres are having a bunch go wrong, including injuries; Luis Campusano comes back from a shot to the groin to hit a home run

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Things go bad sometimes; Campusano’s hits

June 19, 2024 at 6:30 a.m.

Padres are having a bunch go wrong, including injuries; Luis Campusano comes back from a shot to the groin to hit a home run

Manny Machado talks about frustration, swing issues, as he is failing to do damage on pitches he has previously crushed

San Diego Padres |
Padres slugger Manny Machado knows what is at the heart of his struggles

June 18, 2024 at 8:46 p.m.

Manny Machado talks about frustration, swing issues, as he is failing to do damage on pitches he has previously crushed

Robert Suarez surrenders 4 straight hits in the ninth inning as Padres lose fifth consecutive game, all on road trip

San Diego Padres |
Phillies rally in ninth, extend Padres’ woes

June 18, 2024 at 7:44 p.m.

Robert Suarez surrenders 4 straight hits in the ninth inning as Padres lose fifth consecutive game, all on road trip

Fernando Tatis Jr., who has been nursing a quad injury, will not start for the first time this season; Padres seek first win of road trip

San Diego Padres |
Padres pregame: Fernando Tatis Jr., Ha-Seong Kim sit as Padres attempt to stop losing streak

June 18, 2024 at 3:10 p.m.

Fernando Tatis Jr., who has been nursing a quad injury, will not start for the first time this season; Padres seek first win of road trip

Padres manager Mike Shildt says he has no long-term worry even as he knows Padres have to get out of current funk; Manny Machado says hip is improving; Kyle Schwarber continues to crush Padres pitching

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: ‘Zero’ concern; Manny Machado health update; crying uncle

June 18, 2024 at 8:27 a.m.

Padres manager Mike Shildt says he has no long-term worry even as he knows Padres have to get out of current funk; Manny Machado says hip is improving; Kyle Schwarber...

Randy Vásquez allows a career-high 6 runs, surrenders pair of 2-run homers to Kyle Schwarber, as Padres lose fourth straight game

San Diego Padres |
Phillies blast another Padres starting pitcher to win series opener

June 17, 2024 at 8:36 p.m.

Randy Vásquez allows a career-high 6 runs, surrenders pair of 2-run homers to Kyle Schwarber, as Padres lose fourth straight game

Michael King showing no signs of slowing in first season as full-time starting pitcher; Yu Darvish on track for return next homestand; Jurickson Profar talks 'reward' of All-Star game

San Diego Padres |
Padres notes: Michael King, uninterrupted; Yu Darvish set for rehab start; All-Star update

June 17, 2024 at 4:20 p.m.

Michael King showing no signs of slowing in first season as full-time starting pitcher; Yu Darvish on track for return next homestand; Jurickson Profar talks 'reward' of All-Star game

Padres aren't exactly a surprise at this point; the trouble with left-handers; Manny Machado explains ejection; preparing a third catcher

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Good + Bad = .500

June 17, 2024 at 7:45 a.m.

Padres aren't exactly a surprise at this point; the trouble with left-handers; Manny Machado explains ejection; preparing a third catcher

Padres starters have had good games in bunches and a bunch of bad games; Cease had yet to truly dig the offense a big hole in any of his starts until he did so Sunday against the Mets

San Diego Padres |
Dylan Cease joins Padres’ bad-start club

June 16, 2024 at 9:05 p.m.

Padres starters have had good games in bunches and a bunch of bad games; Cease had yet to truly dig the offense a big hole in any of his starts...

Dylan Cease allows seven runs in 3⅔ innings, Padres rally late before dropping seventh consecutive road game

San Diego Padres |
Mets score early, late, complete sweep of Padres

June 16, 2024 at 5:47 p.m.

Dylan Cease allows seven runs in 3⅔ innings, Padres rally late before dropping seventh consecutive road game

Padres hitters did something at end of a game for the first time this season; Joe Musgrove got on a mound, but he did not throw; Jackson Merrill has homered against a left-handed pitcher in three straight games

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Uniquely offensive; Musgrove moving; Merrill gets left in

June 16, 2024 at 7:22 a.m.

Padres hitters did something at end of a game for the first time this season; Joe Musgrove got on a mound, but he did not throw; Jackson Merrill has homered...

Adam Mazur walks six batters in the first three innings and finally gives up a run in the fourth before Mets pile on against bullpen; Jackson Merrill homers for fourth time in three games

San Diego Padres |
Padres offense listless as Mets win again

June 15, 2024 at 5:44 p.m.

Adam Mazur walks six batters in the first three innings and finally gives up a run in the fourth before Mets pile on against bullpen; Jackson Merrill homers for fourth...

Team intends to be active at the trade deadline, and they're shooting high; Jackson Merrill's power surge continues; Manny Machado could be back at third base soon, still not all the way back at plate

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Looking for another starter; accidental power; ‘unbelievable’ tag

June 15, 2024 at 6:53 a.m.

Team intends to be active at the trade deadline, and they're shooting high; Jackson Merrill's power surge continues; Manny Machado could be back at third base soon, still not all...

Mets get both runs in the third inning, hold on for 2-1 victory despite Matt Waldron's strong 7 innings and Jackson Merrill's homer

San Diego Padres |
Padres lament missed chances after dropping wet series opener to Mets

June 14, 2024 at 8:49 p.m.

Mets get both runs in the third inning, hold on for 2-1 victory despite Matt Waldron's strong 7 innings and Jackson Merrill's homer

Left-hander Adrián Morejón is working into a higher-leverage role; Yu Darvish appears set for start next week; left fielder Jurickson Profar returns to lineup

San Diego Padres |
Padres notes: Adrián Morejón shows new stuff; Yu Darvish throws; Jurickson Profar returns

June 14, 2024 at 5:12 p.m.

Left-hander Adrián Morejón is working into a higher-leverage role; Yu Darvish appears set for start next week; left fielder Jurickson Profar returns to lineup

Padres right fielder has appeared for much of the season — and especially the past few weeks — to be the player he used to be

San Diego Padres |
Padres have the real Fernando Tatis Jr. back

June 14, 2024 at 4:43 a.m.

Padres right fielder has appeared for much of the season — and especially the past few weeks — to be the player he used to be

The Padres are backing their words up with actions — and wins

San Diego Padres |
Padres Daily: Walking the talk; Merrill’s growth; Solano’s strength; Kolek’s moment

June 13, 2024 at 9:14 a.m.

The Padres are backing their words up with actions — and wins

Sports |
Padres notes: Fernando Tatis Jr.’s streak ends as he prioritizes win; Michael King seeks more efficiency

June 12, 2024 at 11:12 p.m.

Fernando Tatis Jr. and everyone else knew what was at stake for him in the eighth inning Wednesday afternoon.“I mean, a hitting streak, maybe the last at-bat you feel a...

One night after Kyle Higashioka’s heroics, Jackson Merrill secures sweep with walk-off solo shot off Oakland closer

Sports |
Jackson Merrill’s ninth-inning homer helps Padres beat A’s, secure season’s first sweep

June 13, 2024 at 6:55 a.m.

One night after Kyle Higashioka’s heroics, Jackson Merrill secures sweep with walk-off solo shot off Oakland closer

Sports |
Padres Daily: Overcoming; Higgy’s real thrill; Fernando Tatis Jr.’s streak; bullpen moves

June 13, 2024 at 2:33 a.m.

Good morning,Kyle Higashioka was the hero the Padres needed.An inning earlier, they had lost the player who had practically single-handedly lifted them to numerous victories this season.They were running low...

Sports |
Padres Daily: Offense clicking; lights going out; Tatis’ rare homer; pitching update

June 11, 2024 at 1:31 p.m.

Good morning,If you can believe it, only Luis Arraez going 0-for-5 kept last night from being yet another game in which the Padres had every one of the players in...

Sports |
Padres beat A’s to start this week better than last

June 11, 2024 at 5:53 a.m.

The Padres began last week with a loss to the team with the second-worst record in the American League.They began this week by beating a team down into that spot.Maybe...

Sports |
Padres Daily: Built around Manny, but also built up around him; Merrill never stops; Kim’s power surge

June 9, 2024 at 1:31 p.m.

Good morning,How far the Padres go this season is still largely a matter of how far Manny Machado takes them.He will be in the heart of their order virtually every...

Sports |
Padres continue to slug Diamondbacks, get back to .500 with second straight rout

June 9, 2024 at 6:40 a.m.

Mike Shildt smiled assuredly on Thursday night following his team’s fifth consecutive defeat.“It's not going to last,” the Padres manager said. “This club's going to be just fine.”The next afternoon,...

Sports |
Padres Daily: Power play; All-Star outfielders; King’s contribution; Waldron’s first focus

June 8, 2024 at 7:03 p.m.

Good morning,Fernando Tatis Jr. was talking about his own swing and his journey to slugging more consistently this season.“Homers are gonna come and go,” he said late last night. “I’m...

Sports |
Padres slug way out of losing streak, rout Diamondbacks to even series

June 8, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.

It's just easier with some slug."No kidding, man," Padres manager Mike Shildt said. "It's nice. ... It was nice to get some balls that were able to get in the...

Sports |
Padres Daily: Can’t spell close without lose; Manny’s try; Vasquez rebounds; about the bunts

June 7, 2024 at 8:37 p.m.

Good morning,If you’re looking for positives — and five games into a losing streak you have to be actually looking for them in order to see them — the Padres...

Sports |
Late rallies fall short as Padres lose to Diamondbacks, drop fifth straight game

June 7, 2024 at 5:43 a.m.

Nothing was working.The Padres were coming up empty, running recklessly.Again.And then things began falling into place, beginning with Jake Cronenworth’s bloop double that drove in one run and led to...

Sports |
Padres Daily: Better be the bottom; mediocre enough; not quality enough

June 6, 2024 at 1:31 p.m.

Good morning,Welp.Just because you identify a problem doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to fix it right away.The Padres know they have to play better against teams like the Angels. They...

Sports |
Padres swept by Angels, know these losses can’t keep happening

June 6, 2024 at 7:07 a.m.

ANAHEIM — Before it got worse, the Padres talked about how it must get better.They could not continue to fail in the way they were against the teams they were.“These games are...

Sports |
Luis Campusano works through slump in first season as Padres’ primary catcher

June 6, 2024 at 4:09 a.m.

ANAHEIM — That Luis Campusano was on the field at Angel Stadium taking early batting practice about five hours before Tuesday’s game was not unusual.He is most often among the first players...

Sports |
Padres Daily: Wasted excellence; still searching

June 5, 2024 at 3:53 p.m.

Good morning from Anaheim,Last night went so well. And so poorly.The Padres got a magnificent MLB debut from Adam Mazur.As Mike Shildt said in my game story (here), “You can’t...

Sports |
After Adam Mazur’s stellar debut for Padres, Yuki Matsui struggles again in loss to Angels

June 5, 2024 at 5:18 a.m.

ANAHEIM — The Padres were right.Adam Mazur was ready for the big leagues."You can't ask for much more," Padres manager Mike Shildt said after the lanky young right-hander allowed a run over...

Sports |
Padres Daily: This is how they run; Profar so worth it; Machado’s drought ends; Waldron finds a way

June 4, 2024 at 1:31 p.m.

Good morning from Anaheim,This is who they are.The 2024 Padres are big on identity, and they identify as an aggressive running team.“We’ve got to continue doing it,” Manny Machado said....

Sports |
Angels score in eighth, defeat Padres in series opener

June 4, 2024 at 4:54 a.m.

ANAHEIM — Tyler Anderson, a good pitcher on a bad team, was strong enough for long enough to allow that bad team to eventually out-execute the Padres.The Angels, who entered Monday’s game...

Sports |
Padres notes: Adam Mazur arrives with lessons from Triple-A; sore Luis Arraez sits

June 4, 2024 at 1:38 a.m.

ANAHEIM — Adam Mazur, the Padres’ third-ranked pitching prospect, jumped quickly from Double-A to Triple-A this season.The reports from those who watched him in person, which included Padres President of Baseball Operations...

Sports |
Padres Daily: One thing leads to another; Tyler Wade steps up; Fernando Tatis Jr. gets lift from dad

June 3, 2024 at 4:42 p.m.

Good morning from Kansas City, Mo.,This past weekend was a lesson in the whims of a long season and how the events of one game can have ramifications a game...

Sports |
Padres lose to Royals in ninth; Luis Arraez says he is ‘good’ after departing with shoulder injury

June 2, 2024 at 11:04 p.m.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Padres kept doing what they have been doing in winning eight of their past 10 series, spraying hits to seemingly every square inch of a ballpark, and...

Sports |
Padres Daily: Downer with much upside; Tatis’ swagger; Kim’s kind of day; Suarez keeps working

June 2, 2024 at 6:36 p.m.

Good morning from Kansas City, Mo.,The reality is that there was a pall over Saturday’s game and there is a shroud of uncertainty over the Padres' season going forward.Yesterday was...

Sports |
Padres beat Royals hours after losing two starting pitchers to IL

June 2, 2024 at 1:42 a.m.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Padres will have to remain standing and find a way to fight on after taking a 1-2 punch to the midsection of their season.It might take a...

Sports |
Padres Daily: Once in a century; the Arraez Effect; ball talk; in the jungle

June 1, 2024 at 1:31 p.m.

Good morning from Kansas City, Mo.,One of the neat things about baseball is that you go to the ballpark every day knowing you might see something you never have.Most often,...

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Padres set club record in 11-8 win over Royals

June 1, 2024 at 4:32 a.m.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Teams talk about moving the line.The Padres have done it pretty well this season, stringing together hits well enough to have had more big innings than any team...

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Padres notes: Stars need to shine for team to be at best; caution with Darvish

June 1, 2024 at 6:04 a.m.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It is pretty easy to envision how the Padres could have one of the best records in Major League Baseball.They are not close to that now. Their 30-29...

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Padres Daily: Not quite a thrill ride

May 30, 2024 at 1:31 p.m.

Good morning from my layover,The Padres, for just the second time this season, had a chance yesterday to move to three games above .500.They did not.Not even close.Instead, they played...

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Yu Darvish leaves with hamstring tightness after three innings as Marlins beat Padres, avoid sweep

May 30, 2024 at 1:20 a.m.

Yu Darvish never looked comfortable on Wednesday afternoon.The veteran pitcher has worked through plenty of starts during his illustrious career when that was the case, often getting through five or...

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Padres Daily: Matt Waldron’s conviction; Jeremiah Estrada’s streak; veterans’ contributions

May 29, 2024 at 3:49 p.m.

Good morning,Matt Waldron is turning out to be a pretty good fifth starter.“We get that kind of production from our No.5 starter, that bodes very, very well,” Padres manager Mike...

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Matt Waldron, Jeremiah Estrada pitch Padres past Marlins

May 29, 2024 at 7:25 a.m.

On a still night at Petco Park, Matt Waldron’s knuckleball fluttered and fell like a piece of paper in the wind.The Marlins were blown away."The knuckleball was real," Marlins manager...

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Padres Daily: Making good from bad; Michael King’s big misses; more lefties coming

May 28, 2024 at 10:03 p.m.

Good morning,That Padres made good out of a bad team playing badly.As has been harped on continually here, teams generally climb their way to the postseason by stepping on the...

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Padres take advantage of Marlins’ gaffes, walk to a victory

May 28, 2024 at 3:08 a.m.

The Padres crept back above .500 on Monday, on the margins.The Marlins sank back to the bottom of the National League the same way.If the Padres were going to be...

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Padres’ pluses and minuses add up to .500 one-third of the way through 2024 season

May 26, 2024 at 12:44 a.m.

It could be worse. It should be better.Almost every day brings a new reminder of why the Padres might end up back in the postseason. But then pretty much every...

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Padres Daily: Petco Park launching pad; not right against lefties; big holes

May 25, 2024 at 1:31 p.m.

Good morning,A couple of the things that have routinely plagued the Padres continued to do so last night.They lost at home. They lost a game in which a left-hander started...

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Padres’ Petco Park woes continue as Yankees hit 4 home runs off Yu Darvish in 8-0 win

May 25, 2024 at 4:54 a.m.

Yu Darvish got Bronx bombarded, and the Padres returned home with what is becoming a predictable thud.In their first game back at Petco Park after an exhausting but exhilarating road...

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Padres Daily: Arraez redux; Estrada’s evolution; A.J.’s bargains; Machado’s smoothness; a Petco problem

May 24, 2024 at 5:58 p.m.

Good morning,It is rare we begin consecutive newsletters with the same topic.But, then, Luis Arraez is a rarity.You can read my game story (here) from yesterday’s 6-4 victory over the...

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Padres outlast Reds in 10 innings, wrap ‘forever’ road trip with 5-2 record

May 24, 2024 at 1:59 a.m.

CINCINNATI — Whatever it takes. As long as it takes.Even if it takes …“Forever,” Fernando Tatis Jr. said. “(Expletive) forever.”Tatis did his part to expedite the finish, and Robert Suarez made sure...

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Padres Daily: The Arraez effect; moving the Crone Zone; good King; unhappy King

May 23, 2024 at 1:31 p.m.

Good morning from Cincinnati,The Padres are loving Luis Arraez, and Luis Arraez is loving the Padres.“I enjoyed this game right now,” he said last night after going 4-for-5. “Because I...

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Padres, Michael King bounce back in victory over Reds

May 23, 2024 at 3:23 p.m.

CINCINNATI — The Padres' offense woke up."Rest and hits," manager Mike Shildt said. "We love that."After being shut out two straight nights, they came back big in the second game of their...

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Padres pregame: Xander Bogaerts placed on IL with shoulder fracture; David Peralta called up

May 23, 2024 at 12:03 a.m.

CINCINNATI — The Padres will be without Xander Bogaerts for at least two months, as tests revealed a fracture in his left shoulder and he was placed on the injured list Wednesday.“I’ll...

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Padres Daily: Bad trends; upside of Joe Musgrove’s short outing; Luis Arraez’s shuffle

May 22, 2024 at 4:22 p.m.

Good morning from Cincinnati,Probably the best thing to happen for the Padres yesterday was something that didn’t happen.Xander Bogaerts did not go on the injured list.You can read in Jeff...

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Tired Padres left without an answer for Reds, fall to another sub-.500 team

May 22, 2024 at 3:40 a.m.

CINCINNATI — The Padres were coming off a series win over one of the top teams in Major League Baseball and beginning a series against a team scuffling as badly as any...

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Padres Daily: Manny Machado’s math; Fernando Tatis Jr. vs. the wall; Jeremiah Estrada earns eighth

May 21, 2024 at 4:06 p.m.

Good morning from Atlanta,There are certain games where it doesn’t end up mattering.But to the Padres, it always matters.Every batter following the plan at the plate. Getting numerous runners on...

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Padres split doubleheader with Braves, Xander Bogaerts ‘day-to-day’ after suffering shoulder injury

May 21, 2024 at 1:28 a.m.

ATLANTA — Even when things are bad, they mostly seem OK for the Padres.In word and deed, Mike Shildt’s team is all about the possible.“It's been all year,” Manny Machado said. “We...

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Padres Daily: Machado having fun; Darvish rolling; Cronenworth crushing; Bogaerts streaking

May 20, 2024 at 4:13 p.m.

Good morning from Atlanta,The Padres got back to .500, and Yu Darvish got to 200.You can read my game story (here) for the details about last night’s 9-1 victory over...

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Yu Darvish gets milestone win as Padres rout Braves

May 20, 2024 at 4:57 a.m.

ATLANTA — Yu Darvish might be aging like a Cabernet Sauvignon, peaking in his second decade.“With the years and experience,” Jurickson Profar said, “he’s just getting better and better.”As he arrived at...

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Padres notes: Dylan Cease expanding his repertoire, brings sweet treat to ballpark

May 19, 2024 at 10:24 p.m.

ATLANTA — Dylan Cease had never really tried to add another pitch.“I just think maybe it's kind of taken me a while to even get the other ones down where I’m throwing...

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Padres-Braves game postponed; Yu Darvish pushed back a day, Joe Musgrove pushed back two days

May 20, 2024 at 3:27 p.m.

ATLANTA — Yu Darvish’s quest for his 200th win will wait a day, and the Padres will scramble their pitching plans.Saturday’s game against the Braves was postponed by rain and will be...

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Padres notes: David Peralta signed to minor-league deal; Joe Musgrove set to rejoin rotation

May 19, 2024 at 12:01 a.m.

ATLANTA — The Padres have added another veteran bat for insurance.The team signed David Peralta to a minor-league deal, and he is playing left field for Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.Peralta, 36,...

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