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The rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres is reignited in a much-anticipated matchup for the National League Division Series. This best-of-five series kicks off on Saturday in Los Angeles and is packed with narrative potential, highlighted by Shohei Ohtani’s debut in the postseason. The victor of this NL West showdown will proceed to the NL Championship Series to face off against the winner of the NLDS battle between the Philadelphia Phillies and either the Milwaukee Brewers or the New York Mets.
Game times
Game 1: Padres at Dodgers, Saturday, Oct. 5, 8:38 p.m. ET, FS1
Game 2: Padres at Dodgers, Sunday, Oct. 6, 8:03 p.m. ET, FS1
Game 3: Dodgers at Padres, Tuesday, Oct. 8, Time TBD, FOX/FS1
Game 4: Dodgers at Padres, Wednesday, Oct. 9, Time TBD, FOX/FS1 (if necessary)
Game 5: Padres at Dodgers, Friday, Oct. 11, Time TBD, FOX/FS1 (if necessary)
Pitching matchups
Prior to Joe Musgrove’s injury, the pitching advantage heavily favored the Padres. Their four-man rotation combined with a solid bullpen boasted the best park-neutral projections among postseason teams, while the Dodgers found themselves more toward the middle of the spectrum, despite their crucial acquisitions of Jack Flaherty and Michael Kopech. Dylan Cease is a reliable choice in any matchup, and although Yoshinobu Yamamoto could be considered slightly ahead of Michael King, the Padres possess distinct advantages throughout the rest of the Dodgers’ lineup.
Following Musgrove’s injury, the contest becomes more competitive. It’s possible that the Padres will rely on a blend of Martín Pérez and their bullpen, which doesn’t seem too distant from what Landon Knack and his teammates offer. However, the quartet of Robert Suarez, Tanner Scott, Jason Adam, and Jeremiah Estrada in the Padres’ bullpen is exceptional. They collectively achieved a 2.56 ERA throughout the regular season and maintained a 30 percent strikeout rate. Additionally, the Padres can utilize Bryan Hoeing and Adrian Morejon; as a righty-lefty duo, they could effectively mitigate the impact of Musgrove’s absence. Both pitchers feature multiple fastballs along with impressive secondary offerings and a proven ability to pitch for more than one inning—perfect for middle relief roles.
Discussion often centers around the Dodgers’ pitching predicament, yet their success will largely depend on the performance of their top two pitchers (Flaherty and Yamamoto), along with a potential breakout from Knack. The 27-year-old has an impressive arm slot that generates surprising velocity, complemented by a noteworthy slider—anything can happen in postseason play.
Nonetheless, the consensus indicates that the Padres’ pitching staff holds a more favorable position. — Eno Sarris
Why the Dodgers will win
Despite the evident challenges facing the Dodgers, including inconsistencies in their starting pitching and a string of injuries, they concluded the season with the best record in baseball. Their lineup is formidable, featuring talents like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman
The potential absence of Joe Musgrove for the remainder of the month might actually present an opportunity to demonstrate the depth of the team. The Padres’ rotation still boasts Michael King, who is steadily moving toward frontline status following his initial playoff start; Dylan Cease, known for his ability to produce no-hit performances; Yu Darvish, who has shown positive developments since returning from a long injury layoff; and Martín Pérez, who has exceeded expectations since joining the team at the trade deadline. Additionally, a robust bullpen proved in September that it can manage a demanding workload. The injury-plagued Dodgers would likely prefer San Diego’s pitching situation over theirs.
On offense, the Padres feature an unyielding attack that overwhelmed Atlanta’s left-hander Max Fried early on in a decisive sweep. No other lineup combines contact, pressure, and power quite like San Diego. Fernando Tatis Jr. might just be the ultimate wild card. The dynamic right fielder wasn’t present during two Octobers ago. With the Dodgers looking vulnerable, Tatis has once again become central to the action, and his penchant for clutch performances—having smacked 12 home runs in just 34 games at Dodger Stadium—could be the difference-maker for the Padres. — Dennis Lin
Stay tuned for series predictions from The Athletic’s MLB staff.
Dodgers player spotlight: Shohei Ohtani, DH
Could it be anyone other than him? These are the moments Ohtani envisioned when he signed in Los Angeles, and these are the moments the Dodgers anticipated. His inaugural season with the Dodgers has far exceeded even the most optimistic projections — boasting 54 home runs, 59 stolen bases, and possibly a third MVP award on the horizon. Despite the Dodgers’ insistence that they do not rely on Ohtani to lead them, how he meets the challenge will significantly affect the trajectory of the series. If the Padres opt not to pitch to Ohtani, will he exercise sufficient self-control? Will his speed be enough to generate offense for the rest of the batting order? Additionally, will his presence create opportunities for Betts and Freeman, the latter of whom is still nursing a sprained right ankle?
Throughout the regular season, Ohtani made a compelling case for being the best player in the world. His outstanding September performance is promising for October, as he achieved a .393 batting average with a 1.225 OPS, along with 10 home runs and 16 stolen bases while pursuing history as the Dodgers aimed for a division title.
There has been extensive coverage of Ohtani’s stellar season. Now, a new chapter begins. — Ardaya
GO DEEPER
The historic, complicated, and as-yet incomplete season of Shohei Ohtani
Padres player spotlight: Jurickson Profar, LF
On April 13, following a misunderstanding, Dodgers catcher Will Smith referred to Profar as “kind of irrelevant.” The very next evening at Chavez Ravine, Profar responded with a bases-clearing double that secured the“`html
| TEAMS | R/G | SP ERA | RP ERA | OPS+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLAYER | POS | KEY STATISTICS | WAR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WAR | ||||
(*The statistics for Jack Flaherty and Michael Kopech are based on their time with the Dodgers and do not represent the complete 2024 season.)
Stay tuned for upcoming series predictions from The Athletic’s MLB staff.
Must-reads for Dodgers
Dave Roberts is fully aware that for the Dodgers, it’s all about winning the title: ‘It’s expected’
Freddie Freeman embarks on a new chapter following his most challenging season
Reasons why the Dodgers’ defense of the NL West feels ‘a tick sweeter’
Shohei Ohtani impresses with an extraordinary performance: ‘Makes you speechless’
Must-reads for Padres
Luis Arraez is both celebrated and criticized — yet the Padres don’t challenge his importance
Fernando Tatis Jr. returns to the postseason, and the wait has been worthwhile
The Padres have gained momentum since the All-Star break, with preparations starting long before
Jackson Merrill’s unexpected power has significantly influenced this season for the Padres
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Guardians vs. Tigers ALDS preview: Predictions, pitching matchups and more
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Yankees vs. Royals ALDS preview: Predictions, pitching matchups and more
(Top image: Shohei Ohtani: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images; Manny Machado: Orlando Ramirez / Getty Images)
Clash of Titans: Dodgers and Padres Ignite NL Division Series Rivalry
Overview of the Rivalry
The rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres has garnered significant attention in Major League Baseball (MLB). This fierce competition ignited after the Padres’ dramatic upset of the Dodgers during the 2022 National League Division Series (NLDS), where San Diego showcased their ability to compete at the highest level. With the Dodgers being a perennial powerhouse and the Padres emerging as formidable contenders, the matchup promises excitement and high stakes.
The Road to the NL Division Series
As the 2024 postseason approaches, both teams have demonstrated their prowess throughout the regular season. The Dodgers clinched a playoff spot after a successful season, maintaining their status as one of the top teams in the National League. The Padres, with a strong roster and playoff experience, are looking to build on their recent successes and challenge the Dodgers once again.
Key Regular Season Performances
- Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers excelled with a combination of experienced veterans and young talents, leading to impressive offensive and defensive performances.
- San Diego Padres: The Padres capitalized on their star players, including standout performances from their pitching rotation and explosive batting line-up.
Head-to-Head Matchups
In the 2022 NLDS, the Padres stunned the Dodgers by winning the series 3-1, marking a turning point in the rivalry. This victory not only boosted the Padres’ confidence but also ignited a fierce competition between both teams.
2022 NLDS Recap
| Game | Result | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Dodgers 5 - Padres 3 | Freddie Freeman (Dodgers), Juan Soto (Padres) |
| Game 2 | Dodgers 4 – Padres 0 | Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers) |
| Game 3 | Padres 8 – Dodgers 5 | Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres) |
| Game 4 | Padres 6 – Dodgers 1 | Yu Darvish (Padres) |
Player Highlights
Numerous players have become pivotal in this rivalry, showcasing their talents on the grand stage. Here are a few notable players to watch:
Los Angeles Dodgers
- Freddie Freeman: A consistent performer and a key leader for the Dodgers, Freeman’s hitting prowess is crucial to their playoff success.
- Clayton Kershaw: The veteran pitcher has been a cornerstone for the Dodgers, combining experience with elite skills on the mound.
San Diego Padres
- Fernando Tatis Jr.: Known for his incredible athleticism and flair, Tatis Jr. is a game-changer capable of turning a game around.
- Juan Soto: With his exceptional batting skills, Soto provides the Padres with a powerful offensive weapon.
Strategic Approaches
The strategies employed by both teams can significantly impact the outcome of the series. Here are some tactics that fans can expect to see:
Dodgers’ Strategy
- Pitching Depth: Utilizing a strong pitching rotation to control games and minimize scoring opportunities for the Padres.
- Offensive Firepower: Leveraging their deep batting lineup to consistently put runs on the board.
Padres’ Strategy
- Aggressive Baserunning: Taking calculated risks on the basepaths to create scoring opportunities.
- Defensive Prowess: Focusing on strong fielding and positioning to counter the Dodgers’ offensive strengths.
The Impact of Fan Support
Both teams enjoy passionate fan bases that play a crucial role in creating an electrifying atmosphere during games. The rivalry has sparked increased attendance and viewership, making each matchup a highly anticipated event in the baseball calendar.
Benefits of Fan Engagement
- Increased Team Morale: A supportive crowd can boost player performance and team spirit.
- Community Involvement: Both teams engage with their local communities, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty among fans.
Looking Ahead: 2024 NL Division Series
As the 2024 NL Division Series approaches, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this rivalry. With the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect intense competition, standout performances, and unforgettable moments. The Dodgers will look to reclaim dominance, while the Padres aim to solidify their status as a legitimate threat in the National League.
What to Expect
- High-intensity games filled with drama and competitive spirit.
- Key matchups that could turn the tide in favor of either team.
- Highlight performances from star players that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Conclusion
The Dodgers and Padres rivalry has transformed into one of the most captivating narratives in MLB, drawing in fans and showcasing the best of what baseball has to offer. As they prepare to clash once again in the NL Division Series, the anticipation builds for a showdown that promises excitement and unforgettable moments in baseball history.
