According to The Athletic, the Padres are only interested in trading him if they can improve their current major-league roster. But the Astros might have an excess of starters after Spencer Arighetti, J.P. France and Cristian Javier return from injuries as expected in August or September.

And at the end of all of it, Cease remains in the Padres’ rotation. It was reason to smile Friday as he walked back into the clubhouse he’ll continue to call home as the Padres push for a postseason spot.

The San Diego Padres were never close to trading starting pitcher Dylan Cease or closer Robert Suarez at the trade deadline.