The San Diego Padres have entertained the idea of trading Dylan Cease, as he continues to underperform in the final year of his contract. But getting rid of Cease in the middle of a Wild Card chase feels counteproductive,

The San Diego Padres started their current road trip versus the Washington Nationals, Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals with a lead over the San Francisco Giants and Cardinals in the Wild Card race. In fact, on July 21 they were 3.5 games up on the Giants, Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds.

The San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals wrap up their 4-game series Sunday at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

BOTTOM LINE: The San Diego Padres take a 1-0 advantage into the next game of the series against the Miami Marlins. Miami has a 22-29 record at home and a 46-53 record overall. The Marlins have a 37-19 record in games when they record at least eight hits.

The San Diego Padres are set to be aggressive buyers at the trade deadline, but there's a chance they make some moves to sell at the same time.

Miami: 3B Connor Norby will be out six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a broken hamate bone last week. OF Derek Hill (finger) is day-to-day, while RHP Jesus Tinoco (forearm) could return next month. LHP Ryan Weathers (lat) could also return next month. LHP Andrew Nardi (back) could return before the end of the month.

The San Diego Padres have reportedly inquired about Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher Sandy Alcantara, per The Athletic's Dennis Lin. More news: Padres P

PITCHING PROBABLES: Padres: Dylan Cease (3-9, 4.64 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 139 strikeouts); Marlins: Sandy Alcantara (4-9, 7.14 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 73 strikeouts)

The financial situation of the Padres is a crucial factor in this equation. With a farm system that's not exactly the strongest, the San Diego team might be considering moving Cease to acquire valuable prospects.

The Padres' former associate manager and 2023 National League Manager of the Year Award winner is reportedly a candidate for an upcoming job vacancy.