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.

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 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.

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

The Padres are expected to target Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara and Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen. What these two have in common is that both are former aces, struggling this season, who could be complicated trade deadline targets.

The San Diego Padres are known for making moves at the deadline, and the latest update to MLB.com's deadline tracker has them connected to an ace on the market.

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 latest rumors suggest that the San Diego Padres are interested in trading for Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara.

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

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)

Jesús Sánchez hit a two-run homer and 2022 NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara pitched seven innings with four strikeouts as the Marlins beat the Padres 3-2.