Overview

• The Padres hold a one-game edge in the NL West after sweeping San Francisco and benefiting from the Dodgers’ loss to the Angels on Aug. 14.
• San Diego’s July 31 trades—featuring fire-throwing reliever Mason Miller and outfielder Ramón Laureano along with catcher Freddy Fermín—have boosted a bullpen that owns MLB’s best ERA.
• Los Angeles has lost seven of 12 games since the deadline, strained by injuries to key pitchers, an overworked bullpen and criticism of “systemic problems” in defense and pitching.
• Padres starter Michael King was placed on the 15-day injured list with left knee inflammation and was replaced on the roster by recalled right-hander Randy Vásquez.
• The teams will meet for six games over 10 days—three at Dodger Stadium followed by three at Petco Park—a stretch that could determine the NL West despite Los Angeles maintaining stronger long-term projection odds.