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

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.

Trade predictions are flying all over the place with the deadline approaching. One former general manager believes this three-team trade could benefit everyone.

The San Diego Padres need to add a starting pitcher before the MLB trade deadline, and Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara is a great fit.

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 Padres are listening on Dylan Cease, which inspired calls from most of the AL East — the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Rays — as well as the Mets and Cubs.

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