NL West Notes: Padres' scandal echoes, Kendrick back for Dodgers

After a season that's seen scandal after scandal in the front offices of Major League Baseball, one team wasn't entirely ready to be done with the unethical behavior that's plagued the big leagues this season.

The San Diego Padres have been officially penalized by Major League Baseball for withholding medical information regarding players they wished to trade. The investigation took over a month to complete, but now that the investigative phase is over, Padres general manager AJ Preller will face a 30-day suspension for his role in the scandal. It's an unfortunate situation for the rest of San Diego's front office, but one SB nation writer feels that there are worse times to be locked up, especially as the season nears its end.

Here's what else is happening around the National League West:

After a nine-day absence in the infield, Howie Kendrick has returned to his old job patrolling left field for the Dodgers.

They continue to scratch and claw in the NL wild-card race, but find out how similar the Giants and Cardinals really are.

After a tough year at the big-league level, the Diamondbacks were careful to make sure their minor league stars did not go unnoticed.

Rockies fans have to be wondering: where does the blame fall? Is it squarely on Walt Weiss, or on his poor hand?

The Padres are going for a new look, albeit subdued, in 2017.

The Giants have faded considerably in the second half, and it could possibly be attributed to their overall lack of power.

The Dodgers and Phillies are finishing off their trade with one final transaction.

One Rockies pitcher is back at the top after a topsy-turvy season at the Triple-A level.

Remember Joe Saunders? He made a return to the Diamondbacks realm, but this time in a different role.