Can the Padres offense be trusted? Jackson Merrill digs deep, Heath Bell joins

Can the Padres offense be trusted? Jackson Merrill digs deep, Heath Bell joins

August 28, 2026 · 33 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the Padres' recent performance, player adjustments, and insights from former All-Star Heath Bell.

The San Diego Padres went 4-2 at home but why does it fill like a homestand of missed opportunities versus the Pittsburgh Pirates? Marty Caswell and Darren Smith discuss if they trust this version of the Padres offense and what to make of the reigning NL Player of the week amassing one hit versus the Pirates. The two discuss the excellent pitching staff, and if it's enough for the Padres to really make a run. Darren and Marty hear from manager Craig Stammen on some baffling swings from Jackson Merrill and how he dug deep after a rough game to make some adjustments in their sole win versus the Pirates. The duo also hear from Merrill, on what he's searching for and why he can go from looking like he's clueless to the best player on the planet. The show then welcomes in former Padres All-Star closer Heath Bell to discuss what's stood out from the Padres series loss to the Pirates and why it's not necessarily a bad thing. Bell discusses why some of the Padres struggles could actually propel them going into September, and why Craig Stammen should employ some small ball when the offense is struggling. Bell discusses Mason Miller giving up his first home run in over a year and why it…

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