Overview

• The Dodgers beat the Padres 8-2 on Aug. 24 to avoid a sweep and leave both clubs tied at 74-57 with 31 games remaining.
• Shohei Ohtani smashed his 45th home run in the ninth inning and, on his way to the dugout, exchanged a high-five with a persistent heckler.
• Los Angeles clinched the season series 9-4, locking up the head-to-head tiebreaker if the teams finish with identical records.
• Pitching coach Mark Prior said he could "absolutely" envision Ohtani pitching out of the bullpen in the postseason to record final outs, reflecting ongoing workload management.
• Relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates began rehab assignments with Triple-A Oklahoma City, signaling expected bullpen help down the stretch.