3 moves the San Diego Padres must make before the MLB trade deadline

San Diego Padres must trade for a starting pitcher

The back end of the Friars starting rotation has raised some concerns of late. Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo have performed well, but their health remains a question mark heading into the second half of the season.

Wacha is dealing with shoulder fatigue in his throwing arm, but his production on the hill has been outstanding. Wacha is 8-2 with a 2.84 ERA in 15 starts. Lugo has been the Padres' most consistent starting pitcher this season. He is 3-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts, but a strained left calf has kept Lugo off the field for a month.

Keeping both pitchers healthy is priority #1 for the Friars. If not, the lack of starting pitching depth will force Padres general manager A.J. Preller to add one at the trade deadline. You could see him acquire a rental player like Marcus Stroman of the Chicago Cubs, but the more likely target is Jordan Montgomery of the St. Louis Cardinals. He qualifies as an innings-eater who will not over-extend the relief corp on his scheduled starting day.