The San Diego Padres are scorching hot, but their spot in the postseason is far from secure. Fortunately, two potential reinforcements are making progress at exactly the right time.

Right-hander Jason Adam began a rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso on Sunday as he works his way back from a right shoulder strain. Adam tossed a perfect inning, striking out one while throwing seven of his 11 pitches for strikes. The veteran reliever is expected to make at least one more rehab appearance before the Padres consider activating him.

Getting Adam back would be a significant addition to an already dangerous bullpen. He posted a 2.51 ERA across 36 appearances before landing on the injured list and would give manager Craig Stammen another trusted late-inning option alongside Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon.

Gavin Sheets is also progressing. Sheets is out of his walking boot and has resumed swinging at the Padres' complex in Arizona. A return before the end of the regular season remains possible, although he would likely be limited to designated hitter and pinch-hitting duties.

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Even that could be valuable for a team trying to secure its spot in October. Sheets has proven to be a clutch hitter in the past as well, so the role could be perfect for him.

The Padres have won eight straight games, improving to 82-68 after Monday's 8-7 win over the Colorado Rockies. Yet Arizona isn't going away. The Diamondbacks also won Monday thanks to a walk-off homer by Corbin Carroll, keeping San Diego's lead for the final NL Wild Card spot at just 2.5 games.

The Friars are one of baseball's hottest teams, but there is still work to do.

Adding Adam to the bullpen and potentially getting Sheets' bat back would give the Padres two important reinforcements for the final push — and, if they finish the job, October.