Xander Bogaerts has been activated from the injured list after missing four weeks due to a left foot fracture sustained in August. He played in a game against the Brewers, going 0-for-4, and aims to get more game time before the playoffs, which are likely to start Tuesday in Chicago. Bogaerts, who has a slash line of .262/.330/.387 with 10 homers and 20 steals, will solidify the Padres' lineup, which is expected to be fully healthy for the postseason. The Padres clinched their playoff spot with an 11-inning walk-off win and are vying for a top Wild Card spot, trailing the Cubs and Dodgers by 1.5 games. Manager Mike Shildt plans to rest some players but hopes to have Bogaerts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and others ready for the Wild Card Series. The team has made significant trades at the deadline, acquiring Ramon Laureano, Ryan O’Hearn, Mason Miller, JP Sears, and others, aiming to bolster both offense and pitching. The Padres also showed interest in top players like Harrison Bader and MacKenzie Gore but settled for other prospects and players. The team’s strategy includes building depth in pitching and bullpen, with plans to develop young pitchers as relievers before potentially moving them into starting roles. The Padres are also managing salary commitments, with key players like Manny Machado and Bogaerts expected to contribute for several more years. The franchise’s aggressive approach under President AJ Preller has kept them competitive despite some controversial trades and a light farm system on position players. The team’s future plans involve re-signing or replacing aging stars, and they are optimistic about their chances in the postseason, aiming to avoid the pitfalls of byes and waiting periods that have historically hurt teams like the Rockies in 2007.