Brewers Castoff May Have Saved Padres Season

The Padres have been on a roll of late, being led by a former Brewers castoff.

Aug 11, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres designated hitter Luis Rengifo (21) celebrates with center fielder Jackson Merrill (3) after hitting a grand slam during the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The San Diego Padres have completely turned their season around following a stretch that looked like the team was dead in the water.

San Diego has won 15 of its last 19 games overall, and they are currently on a five-game winning streak thanks to a series sweep over the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Padres are now in sole possession of the second wild-card spot in the National League.

This newfound success has been due to multiple reasons, one of them being a player who signed with them a month ago. Infielder Luis Rengifo signed with the Padres on a minor league deal in early July after being released by the Brewers.

Since joining the Padres, Rengifo has been incredible, hitting .318 with three home runs and 12 RBIs, while posting an OPS of .861. The utility man has only been with the Padres for 25 games, but his impact can't be overstated.

“He came along right at the right time,” Padres manager Craig Stammen said. “We just needed that little spark and that little bit of energy. And then, he had a hot bat, too.”

Rengifo has provided a real boost to this Padres offense, which had been toward the bottom of the league all season long. The veteran has impressed his teammates, giving this group more confidence as his time with the organization grows.

Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr., who had seen his own share of offensive problems earlier in the year, is thankful that Rengifo is on the roster.

“He’s helping us win ballgames in big volume,” Tatis said.

Before being released by the Brewers, Rengifo was struggling, hitting just 205 with 19 RBIs and an OPS of .534.

But Milwaukee's decision to cut ties with Rengifo could end up telling the story of the Padres' turnaround this season. While he isn't the only reason why San Diego has started to play better, his presence in the lineup has sparked something.

“It’s part of baseball,” Rengifo said. “Things in Milwaukee didn’t go well at the beginning of the season. But it’s not how you start. It’s about how you finish.”

Rengifo spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Angels before joining the Brewers this season. He has never made the playoffs in his career, adding more motivation to help San Diego down the stretch.

If he continues to perform in this manner, the Padres could be a very dangerous team. And Rengifo may earn himself consideration to be brought back for next season as well.

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