First Pitch: 9:40 PM ET / 6:40 PM PT Venue: PETCO Park — San Diego, California Surface: Kentucky Bluegrass Dimensions: LF 336 ft, CF 396 ft, RF 322 ft Park Factor: Pitcher‑friendly, especially at night
Venue & Weather Conditions
PETCO Park — San Diego, CA
Forecast:
- Temperature: 64–67°F
- Wind: 7–10 mph blowing in from left-center
- Humidity: ~72%
- Precipitation: 0%
- Impact:
- Marine layer + wind in = suppressed power
- Breaking balls get extra bite
- Run environment leans pitcher‑friendly
This is a low‑scoring weather profile, ideal for both starters.
Team Form & Context
Los Angeles Dodgers (29–18)
- Have won 6 of last 8, stabilizing after a brief slump.
- Offense averaging 5.1 runs/game in May.
- Rotation ERA in last 10 games: 3.62
- Bullpen improving (3.48 ERA in May).
- Yamamoto has been excellent, pitching like a true No. 1.
San Diego Padres (28–18)
- Have won 7 of last 9, one of MLB’s hottest teams.
- Offense averaging 4.9 runs/game in May.
- Pitching staff strong (3.71 ERA in last 10).
- Michael King continues to be a reliable, high‑strikeout arm.
Injury Report
Los Angeles Dodgers
- Mookie Betts — PROBABLE (hand contusion)
- Max Muncy — OUT (oblique)
- Walker Buehler — OUT (elbow)
- Blake Treinen — Day‑to‑Day (shoulder)
Impact: Betts’ availability is the biggest swing factor. Without Muncy, LA loses a left‑handed power bat.
San Diego Padres
- Fernando Tatis Jr. — PROBABLE (ankle)
- Xander Bogaerts — OUT (shoulder)
- Joe Musgrove — OUT (forearm)
- Robert Suarez — Day‑to‑Day (back)
Impact: Tatis’ status is crucial for San Diego’s run‑scoring ceiling.
Starting Pitching Breakdown
Yoshinobu Yamamoto — RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
2026 Season Stats:
- Record: 6–2
- ERA: 2.88
- WHIP: 1.07
- K/BB: 68/12
- HR Allowed: 4
- Opp BA: .214
Profile:
- 95–97 mph fastball
- Elite splitter + curveball
- Exceptional command
- Road ERA: 2.94
- Dominant vs. right‑handed hitters (.198 allowed)
Matchup vs. Padres:
- San Diego’s right‑handed core (Tatis, Machado, Campusano) faces a tough matchup.
- PETCO’s marine layer enhances Yamamoto’s splitter.
Michael King — RHP, San Diego Padres
2026 Season Stats:
- Record: 4–3
- ERA: 3.41
- WHIP: 1.19
- K/BB: 62/18
- HR Allowed: 6
- Opp BA: .232
Profile:
- 93–95 mph fastball
- Slider + sweeper + changeup
- High strikeout upside
- Home ERA: 3.22
- Strong vs. left‑handed hitters (.218 allowed)
Matchup vs. Dodgers:
- LA’s lineup is right‑hand heavy (Betts, Freeman LHB, Smith, Hernández).
- King’s sweeper is effective vs. aggressive hitters.
Key Player Matchups
Dodgers Hitters vs. King
- Freddie Freeman: Best LA matchup; elite vs. RHP
- Mookie Betts: If active, major X‑factor
- Will Smith: Excellent vs. breaking balls
- Teoscar Hernández: Power threat but high K-rate
Edge: Dodgers (slight)
Padres Hitters vs. Yamamoto
- Fernando Tatis Jr.: Elite vs. velocity; tough matchup vs. splitter
- Manny Machado: Good vs. RHP but power down
- Jake Cronenworth: Contact hitter; needs to spark offense
- Luis Campusano: Hot streak but struggles vs. elite offspeed
Edge: Yamamoto
Recent Team Trends
Los Angeles Dodgers
- 6–2 in last 8
- Under is 6–3 in last 9
- 7–4 in last 11 road games
- Yamamoto starts: LAD is 7–3
San Diego Padres
- 7–2 in last 9
- Under is 5–2 in last 7
- 8–3 in last 11 home games
- King starts: SD is 6–3
Head‑to‑Head Trends
- Dodgers have won 6 of last 10
- Under is 7–3 in last 10 meetings
- Games at PETCO average 7.1 runs over last 10 matchups
GAME ODDS
Los Angeles Dodgers – 143
San Diego Padres 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, May 17, 2026
