Padres Drop Finale to Marlins Despite Early Lead, Eye Trade Upgrades Amid Injury Concerns
May 29, 2025
The San Diego Padres wrapped up a rollercoaster three-game series against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday with a tough 10–8 loss, squandering a 6–1 lead and ending their three-game winning streak. Despite promising performances earlier in the week, the finale exposed some persistent bullpen issues and highlighted the team’s need for reinforcements as the season intensifies.
The story of Wednesday’s defeat centered around Marlins rookie Agustín Ramírez, who delivered a breakout performance. The young catcher went 4-for-4 with four RBIs, including a solo homer and a crucial two-run single in the eighth inning that helped Miami overcome San Diego’s lead. Padres relievers couldn’t stop the surge, and the team’s inability to close out games continues to be a concern.
Padres designated hitter Gavin Sheets provided a moment of hope with a two-run blast in the seventh inning, putting San Diego back on top 8–7. But the bullpen faltered once again in the late innings, allowing three unanswered runs that sealed the loss.
Earlier in the series, the Padres showed grit and clutch hitting. On Monday, third baseman Manny Machado tied the game with a solo home run in the eighth inning, and Tyler Wade scored the game-winning run in the 11th on a wild pitch. Tuesday’s matchup saw the Padres edge out an 8–6 win, riding offensive momentum and solid infield defense.
In a blow to their pitching depth, San Diego placed right-hander Michael King on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation. King had been a steady presence in the rotation, posting a 4–2 record with a 2.59 ERA over 10 starts. In his absence, rookie David Morgan was called up from Triple-A El Paso and made his MLB debut in the series. While his first outing showed promise, the bullpen as a whole struggled without King’s presence.
Looking forward, the Padres front office is actively exploring trade options to address roster gaps. According to team insiders, San Diego is particularly interested in bolstering their bullpen and adding outfield depth. With the trade deadline months away, general manager A.J. Preller is expected to pursue deals that could stabilize the team for a postseason push.
The Padres return home this weekend for a critical stretch of games that could determine whether they remain contenders or face another midseason slump. Fans remain hopeful that with Machado healthy, the lineup clicking, and reinforcements on the way, San Diego can regain momentum and stay competitive in a tightly contested NL West.
