Padres acquire former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray from Giants for another playoff push

The San Diego Padres acquired veteran left-hander Robbie Ray from the San Francisco Giants on Monday in a deadline trade for two prospects.

The Padres (58-54) have won eight of nine to move one game back of the final NL wild-card playoff position, and this latest surge in their up-and-down season prompted general manager A.J. Preller to trade yet another chunk of his severely depleted farm system for another chance to win now.

San Diego gave up right-hander Miguel Mendez and 17-year-old shortstop Joniel Hernandez for the 34-year-old Ray, a former Cy Young Award winner who will be an unrestricted free agent this winter.

The Padres, who desperately needed a veteran starter for a rotation with the majors’ fourth-highest ERA, al...