MLB Regression Report: Padres Make Move, Dodgers Avoid Sweep in Houston and Royals Flounder

The Dodgers injuries and absences have helped tighten National League West race.

Jul 28, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a fly ball for an out against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports As the trade deadline draws near we're getting a better sense of what the teams competing for playoff births will look like down the stretch.

The first full week after the All-Star break leaves us at about the two-thirds mark of the season and some teams appear to be separating from the pack, while others are falling back and are in danger of…