"Duran adds an All-Star-caliber left fielder to the Padres’ lineup, plugging a hole at a position that has produced the fifth-lowest OPS (.632) in the majors this year. Boston could get a few of the Padres’ top prospects in return, but a bigger piece could be closer Robert Suarez (3.54 ERA and 1.03 WHIP)," Johnson wrote.

The San Diego Padres are expected to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a $45 million starting pitcher at the trade deadline.

The Padres found themselves in a familiar place Sunday after a 2-1 loss to the Phillies. They had not gained ground. They had not lost any.