Overview

• San Diego completed an 11-1 sweep of the Giants on Aug. 13 to extend its win streak to five games and stand at 68-52 with a share of first place in the NL West.
• Ace pitcher Michael King returned from a shoulder injury, delivering effective innings that bolstered a rotation already reshaped by post-deadline moves.
• Trade-deadline acquisitions including Mason Miller, Ramón Laureano, Ryan O’Hearn and Freddy Fermin have materially altered the roster and powered the team’s recent surge.
• The Dodgers have posted a 12-20 record since July 4, losing sole possession of first place and prompting public calls from Dave Roberts and Freddie Freeman to refocus on winning.
• The Padres open a three-game weekend series in Los Angeles on Friday that promises to determine which club leads the NL West down the stretch.