Overview

• The Padres overtook the Dodgers for first place in the NL West with a 69-52 record, fueled by a 9-3 run since the July 31 deadline.
• San Diego’s deadline trades, including closer Mason Miller, outfielder Ramón Laureano and slugger Ryan O’Hearn, have strengthened a bullpen with a 2.05 ERA post-deadline and boosted run production from 4.08 to 5.33 per game.
• The Dodgers have slumped to a 10-14 record since the All-Star break, prompting insider Tom Verducci to flag systemic issues in defense, pitching and consistency.
• Scheduled starter Michael King was placed on the 15-day injured list with left knee inflammation, forcing the Padres to reshuffle their rotation ahead of the series.
• A six‐game stretch begins with three matchups at Dodger Stadium; its outcome could decide the NL West title.