Padres gear up for playoffs with Yu Darvish's return

Yu Darvish is currently undergoing workouts with the aim of rejoining the San Diego Padres in September. While estimates on his return vary, one source suggests a 50-50 chance, while another believes the odds are more favorable. The Padres are also eyeing Blake Snell, who is expected to decline his $30 million player option, making him a potential target for the team this winter. Padres General Manager A.J. Preller has been on a successful acquisition spree, bringing in key players such as Dylan Cease, Luis Arraez, and Martin Perez, all of whom have been performing well. Notably, Perez has excelled since joining the team, boasting a 1.96 ERA over three starts. The Padres' strategy has paid off, as they managed to bolster their rotation significantly through trades involving star players like Juan Soto and Trent Grisham. In the broader context of the league, the Chicago White Sox are considering a managerial change, with owner Jerry Reinsdorf showing interest in A.J. Pierzynski, despite his polarizing reputation. The team is looking for a manager with experience, especially after the recent firing of Pedro Grifol. Meanwhile, Royals catcher Salvador Perez is seeking an extension as he approaches the final year of his contract, highlighting ongoing player negotiations in the league.