Dodger Stadium (UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium), Los Angeles, CA.
First pitch: 10:10 p.m. ET
TBS, SportsNet LA, Padres.TV.
This is the opener of a three-game NL West rivalry series. The Dodgers have already clinched the division (1st in NL West) and are jockeying for seeding/bye implications. The Padres (2nd in NL West, tied with the Cubs for the top NL wild-card spot) enter with a magic number of 2 to clinch a postseason berth and are playing for home-field advantage in the Wild Card Series.
Probable Starters
Padres: RHP Michael King (12-9, 3.03 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 154 K in 181.0 IP over 31 starts). Strong late-season form with multiple quality starts and a recent win at Colorado (6 IP, 2 ER). Career numbers vs. the Dodgers are solid (roughly 2.6–3.0 ERA range in limited prior outings). He has been one of San Diego’s steadiest arms.
Dodgers: RHP Brock Stewart (1-2, 2.55 ERA, 0.97 WHIP in 24.2 IP, primarily as a reliever). This is expected to be an opener/bullpen game for Los Angeles (Stewart’s first MLB start since 2018). The Dodgers plan to mix arms after him, with Yamamoto and others lined up later in the series. Stewart has been effective in shorter outings but faces a different workload challenge.
Weather Forecast (Dodger Stadium)
Sunny to mostly sunny with highs in the mid-to-upper 70s°F (around 76–80°F) during the day, cooling into the mid-60s at night. Light west/southwest winds around 5–10 mph (gusts possible to 15). Clear skies expected for the evening start—ideal baseball weather with no precipitation threat. Slight breeze could influence fly balls modestly.
Injury Reports
Padres: Miguel Andujar (DH, wrist fracture – 10-day IL); Gavin Sheets (1B/OF, foot – 10-day IL); Jeremiah Estrada (RP, shoulder – 15-day IL); Jason Adam (RP, shoulder – 60-day IL); Joe Musgrove (SP, elbow – 60-day IL); Lucas Giolito (SP, elbow – 60-day IL); Luis Rengifo (OF/INF, knee – 60-day IL); Ramon Laureano (OF, hip – 60-day IL); others on longer-term IL.
Dodgers: Shohei Ohtani (DH/P, biceps/knee – 15-day IL, expected activation around Sept. 23); Andy Pages (OF, hand – activated from 10-day IL for this series); Roki Sasaki (SP/RP, finger blister – activated from 15-day IL, available in relief); Blake Snell (SP, groin – day-to-day); Dalton Rushing (C, elbow – 10-day IL); Edgardo Henriquez (RP, back – 15-day IL); longer-term absences include Jake Cousins, Gavin Stone, Ben Casparius, Brusdar Graterol, Eric Lauer, Will Klein (various elbow/shoulder).
Core lineups should feature most regulars; Ohtani’s return is imminent but not for this game, while Pages and Sasaki boost the Dodgers.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups / Notable Performers
Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres RF): Hot recently (.285 AVG overall with power surge; strong OPS in September). Threat vs. right-handed pitching.
Manny Machado (Padres 3B): 28 HR, consistent RBI producer.
Jackson Merrill (Padres CF) and supporting bats (Bogaerts, etc.): Solid contact and speed elements.
Freddie Freeman (Dodgers 1B): Steady .292 AVG with doubles power and on-base skills.
Mookie Betts (Dodgers): Hot in recent stretch (multi-hit games, power).
Other Dodgers threats: Max Muncy, Teoscar Hernández, Will Smith, and returning Andy Pages provide depth and power. The Dodgers rank high in runs, AVG, OBP, and SLG.
King’s command and mix will be tested by LA’s patient, power-capable lineup (strong OPS vs. RHP). Stewart/opener followed by the bullpen faces a Padres offense that has been scorching lately (.321 AVG in last 10).
Recent Team Forms
Padres: Extremely hot—9-1 in last 10, five-game win streak (or better, with reports of 13–14 of last 14–16). Strong offense recently; road record 38-40. Magic number 2 for playoffs.
Dodgers: 7-3 in last 10; won last four (including a sweep of the Giants). Excellent home mark (50-28). Offense productive; pitching staff ERA ~3.62.
Both clubs are peaking at the right time in a heated rivalry.
Series History
Dodgers lead the 2026 season series 7-3 (through prior meetings). Recent results include mixed outcomes (Padres took some, but LA has dominated overall). All-time, the Dodgers hold a clear edge in the long-standing Southern California rivalry. This series carries playoff-preview intensity.
Game Odds
San Diego Padres 8
Los Angeles Dodgers – 126
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, September 21, 2026
