Padres Top Prospect Facing Suspension, SD Linked to Trade, Buehler Talks Dodgers Rivalry

All the latest San Diego Padres news including a top prospect potentially facing suspension, a trade link and Walker Buehler discussing the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:59pm

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The San Diego Padres lost to the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, but there was other notable news around the team. A top Padres prospect was placed on the restricted list last month and could face a potential suspension, on top of already missing most if not all of the 2026 season after undergoing elbow surgery. The Padres have also been linked to a potential blockbuster trade for an All-Star slugger, while newly signed pitcher Walker Buehler downplayed the team's rivalry with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Why it matters

The Padres are looking to build on their recent success and make a deep playoff run in 2026, so any suspensions or trades could significantly impact their roster and chances. The team's rivalry with the Dodgers has been intense in recent years, so Buehler's comments on the rivalry are noteworthy.

The details

The Padres lost 5-2 to the Red Sox on Thursday, with their only runs coming in the fifth inning. A top Padres prospect was placed on the restricted list last month and could face a suspension, on top of already missing most if not all of the 2026 season after elbow surgery. The Padres have also been linked to a potential trade for an All-Star slugger from the Washington Nationals. Finally, newly signed Padres pitcher Walker Buehler downplayed the team's rivalry with the Dodgers, saying 'Rivalries are a thing and we feel them on the field, but largely rivalries are for fanbases.'

  • The Padres lost to the Red Sox on Thursday, April 4, 2026.
  • A Padres top prospect was placed on the restricted list last month.
  • The Padres have been linked to a potential trade for an All-Star slugger from the Nationals.

The players

Walker Buehler

A right-handed pitcher who spent the first seven years of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers before joining the Padres on a minor league deal this offseason.

Michael King

The Padres pitcher who was pitching well to keep San Diego in the game against the Red Sox before being taken out in the sixth inning.

Wandy Peralta

The Padres pitcher who gave up a two-run home run on his first pitch after replacing Michael King, putting the game out of reach.

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What they’re saying

“'Rivalries are a thing and we feel them on the field, but largely rivalries are for fanbases.'”

— Walker Buehler

What’s next

The judge in the case of the Padres top prospect will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This news highlights the challenges the Padres are facing as they look to build on their recent success, with a top prospect potentially facing suspension and the team linked to a blockbuster trade. Buehler's comments on the Dodgers rivalry also provide an interesting perspective on one of the most intense rivalries in baseball.