The surging San Diego Padres are in town to face the Arizona Diamondbacks starting Aug. 4. Brandon Pfaadt opens the series on the mound.

But Preller, like Beane before him, prefers to focus on what he gets rather than what he gives, and how this year's prize, Miller, joins Justin Upton, Craig Kimbrel, Blake Snell, Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Josh Hader, Juan Soto, Dylan Cease, Luis Arráez and Tanner Scott -- players who came back in deals and, in varying ways, made the Padres matter.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/08/02/tom-krasovic-early-faith-in-a-j-preller-continues-to-pay-off-for-padres/ (Tom Krasovic - U-T) More from gaslampball.com:

Mason Miller made his debut with the San Diego Padres on Friday night, plus when he found out that a trade could happen.

Dylan Cease struck out 9 in 5.0 shutout innings to beat the Cardinals in his first start since the trade deadline.

Dylan Cease allowed one hit over five innings, Jake Cronenworth and Ramon Laureano homered and the San Diego Padres beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-3