These rivals battled for the first time on May 5, with the San Diego Padres taking the first round. After Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers hadn't lost to the Padres since then. Most projections had one of these clubs winning the NL West, and even with a surprising start from the Diamondbacks, many still expect the division crown to reside in California. Games between these teams are massive, and Sunday afternoon will be the last head-to-head meeting until August. With a 4:10 p.m. EDT first pitch from Dodger Stadium, let's see what's in store for this pivotal matchup.
Losses in five of the last six, three of which came against the Dodgers, was how the Padres went to sleep on Friday night. They're losing ground on the NL West when they have a direct opportunity to catch up. As with most of the 2023 season, a lifeless offense is defining an underwhelming stretch of baseball in San Diego. Not even Fernando Tatis Jr.'s return and hot start has sparked a turnaround. The Padres are 25th in runs per game and putting up only 2.83 runs per game during the aforementioned six-game stretch. The team is 25th in batting average and 21st in strikeout rate. San Diego has elite hitters throughout the roster though, and the league's second-best walk rate. They're also succeeding in 80% of their stolen base attempts (24/30). Things should turn around eventually, once contact becomes more consistent.
Until then, the Padres will need to continue leaning on a pitching staff that's 13 th in ERA. Ryan Weathers will get the start in the series finale, bringing a 2.50 ERA with him. His last two appearances were out of the bullpen, both clean 1.0-inning outings. In three starts this season, Weathers has allowed five runs across 16.0 innings. Weathers hasn't faced the Dodgers yet this season, but has a 3.95 career ERA against them in four appearances (three starts). Outside of Josh Hader, San Diego's bullpen hasn't been great (4.57 FIP, 22nd), so they'll lean hard on Weathers to perform well.