David Wells has spent most of the 2006 season on the disabled list with a knee injury. He's 43 years old and prone to back problems, but the possibilities outweighed the potential liabilities for the San Diego Padres, who traded catching prospect George Kottaras for the veteran left-hander on the final day of August. Reportedly the Padres were equally motivated by the possibility of Wells being dealt to the Dodgers, who wouldn't give up any of their advanced prospects for him. So, whether Wells pitches effectively, struggles or is sidelined by another injury, the end result has implications for both the Padres and Dodgers. After the Dodgers lost to Milwaukee and the Padres defeated Colorado on Monday, Los Angeles is leading San Diego by two games in the National League West, while the Padres hold a 1.5-game edge over Philadelphia for the NL wild-card berth. Wells enjoyed an impressive return to his hometown team Sunday, working six strong innings and allowing a single a run in the Padres' 2-1 win over Cincinnati. Wells didn't figure in the decision, but he could figure significantly in the pennant race. He struggled in his first two starts coming off the DL on July 31, but he's worked quality outings and allowed no more than two runs in four of his last five starts. Wells has a reputation as a big-game pitcher and he's 36-23 lifetime in September. The only question is: will his back and body hold up until the Padres' season comes to an end?