Overview
- Max Kepler drove in four runs, including a three-run homer, in Arizona’s 8-0 victory over San Diego on Monday night to deliver his first long ball since serving an 80-game suspension.
- Kepler was activated by the Diamondbacks on June 25 after testing positive for Epitrenbolone, a Trenbolone metabolite, and remains barred from postseason play under the suspension terms.
- Starter Brandon Pfaadt worked five shutout innings for Arizona, allowing four hits and striking out six, and two relievers completed the eight-hit shutout.
- Padres starter Walker Buehler gave up seven runs in five innings and has surrendered 16 earned runs over his last two starts as San Diego has lost nine of 10 games.
- The win moved Arizona into second place in the NL West and deepens short-term pressure on the Padres ahead of the trade deadline while forcing Arizona to weigh 40-man roster and postseason planning.