Series Preview: Dodgers open crucial three-game set against Padres
Mookie Betts #50 of the Dodgers throws to first for an out against the Pirates at PNC Park on September 02, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. SAN DIEGO -- Over three games in Anaheim, the Dodgers looked like the version of themselves the rest of the National League fears: explosive offensively, deeper than expected on the mound and suddenly surging again behind a core beginning to heat up all at once. The Dodgers arrive in San Diego riding a five-game winning streak, but this series feels less about momentum and more about proving whether their recent offensive surge is sustainable against one of the few teams built to match them punch for punch.
Dodgers (29-18, 1st in NL West) The biggest development for Los Angeles over the weekend may have been Shohei Ohtani finally looking fully locked back in at the plate. After spending much of early May chasing pitches outside the zone and struggling to drive the ball consistently, Ohtani erupted during the Freeway Series, going 6-for-13 with 15 total bases, nine RBIs and his hardest contact in weeks. His opposite-field approach looked noticeably sharper against the Angels, particularly Sunday when he repeatedly stayed back on offspeed pitches and drove the ball through the middle of the field.
That matters entering Petco Park because San Diego’s pitching staff has consistently neutralized the Dodgers when Ohtani expands the zone. Michael King, specifically, has attacked him carefully with elevated fastballs and sliders below the zone. If Ohtani is suddenly controlling at-bats again, it changes the entire complexion of this lineup.
Andy Pages continues evolving from breakout contributor into one of the Dodgers’ most dangerous hitters. His three-run homer Friday gave him 10 home runs and 38 RBIs, tying him for the MLB lead entering the series. More importantly, Pages has become one of the few Dodgers hitters consistently punishing velocity, something that becomes critical against San Diego’s power-heavy pitching staff.
Max Muncy also quietly enters the series playing some of his best baseball in over a year. His 12 home runs lead the Dodgers, but the bigger storyline is how much more balanced his at-bats have become. Muncy’s strikeout rate remains high, but he’s handling left-handed pitching better than he did last season and driving the ball to left-center again instead of selling out entirely for pull power.
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