"How we're playing right now, I think, is the true identity of this club," said Cronenworth.
Cronenworth also expressed confidence in president of baseball operations A. J.
Preller as management evaluates potential trade acquisitions. "I mean, I'd hope so," said Cronenworth.
"How we're playing right now, I think, is the true identity of this club. Obviously, A.
J.' s — I'm sure he's doing what A.
J. usually does and on the phone 24/7.
But we've just got to keep continuing to play really good baseball."
Third baseman Manny Machado addressed reporters regarding the squad's midseason turnaround following a 5-5 road trip and a three-game sweep of Miami.
"I think there's a lot of good players right now that are doing their job, and we're kind of rolling as a group," said Machado.
"I think all of you guys — not fans, for you guys watching; reporters in front of me — I don't think you guys saw us doing this or getting here, but here we are.
I think we're going to finish off strong as a group."
Machado commented on the media coverage surrounding the roster during their earlier struggles.
"Yeah, I mean, you guys love writing negative about us all year, so hopefully just some positives start coming out," said Machado.
The Padres have scouted external rotation targets including Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman and New York Mets starter Freddy Peralta as they evaluate potential trade additions.
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San Diego will next host the San Francisco Giants for a four-game series at Petco Park before traveling to face Arizona.
