Lineup Edge
As September began, San Diego Padres fans were thrilled to see Fernando Tatis Jr. return to the lineup after being sidelined since late June due to a right femoral stress reaction. Tatis made an immediate impact, delivering the game-winning hit in a 2-for-6 performance on Wednesday. His return significantly strengthens a Padres lineup already featuring stars like Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts. However, the standout this season has been Jackson Merrill, who leads the team with a 3.7 bWAR and is currently the frontrunner for NL Rookie of the Year according to BetMGM. Merrill’s contribution of 22 home runs and a .292/.323/.498 batting line has been invaluable.
In another surprising development, Jurickson Profar, a first-time All-Star, has emerged as one of the unexpected stars of baseball, with a .278/.383/.461 slash line, though he recently snapped a 1-for-23 slump with a home run in a 1-for-3 game on Thursday.
For the Padres, another key moment this September will be Ha-Seong Kim’s return to the lineup following recovery from a jammed shoulder. Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks continue to boast one of baseball's most potent offenses, despite challenges such as Corbin Carroll’s struggles, injuries to regulars Christian Walker and Gabriel Moreno, and Eugenio Suárez’s early-season difficulties.
Yet, the defining trait of the Diamondbacks is their resilience and deep bench. Jake McCarthy has regained form, producing a 125 wRC+, and Ketel Marte was a contender for NL MVP before an ankle injury sidelined him. Suárez has improved dramatically post-All-Star break, as has Carroll, who was named the NL's August Player of the Month.
With a 28.3 fWAR, only trailing the Yankees’ 30.1, and leading MLB in on-base percentage (.336), the Diamondbacks’ offense is formidable. Though they have fewer home runs and stolen bases compared to last year, they continue to generate runs and secure wins effectively.
Edge: Arizona
