The stunning collapse of the San Diego Padres opened the back door to the National League wild card game.
The Padres are 24-33 since the beginning of July and 7-16 since Aug. 10. They have 23 games left and their remaining schedule is murderous.
A postseason (OK, play-in game) opportunity is there for the taking for the Cincinnati Reds. Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and, yes, even the Cardinals.
Trouble is, the Cardinals are reeling as well. They have fallen into an 8-12 rut. Their current four-game losing streak has them 3½ games back of the Padres and Reds for that berth in the play-in game.