Padres Notes: The Fall of the Friars, The Rise of Avila, the Return of Hill

The Padres lost a close game to the Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday afternoon, dropping another crucial game in the race for a spot in the NL Wild Card. The Padres squandered a 3-run first inning as Robert Suarez allowed the game-losing run in the bottom of the eighth inning.

San Diego now sit 5.5 games back in the race for a playoff spot.

In other news, Pedro Avila has emerged as a reliable reliever and a key presence as the Padres' bullpen has squandered leads all season. Tim Hill is also progressing through a finger injury and could return to the bullpen soon.

Check out the rest of today's headlines:

Pedro Avila May Be Pitching His Way into More Prominent Role for Friars

LHP Tim Hill Progressing, Melvin Lays Out Next Steps

Rich Hill Critical of Performance in Second Start for San Diego

Michael Wacha Closing in on Return to Starting Rotation

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