The Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres will begin a pivotal three-game series at Petco Park on Friday night that may determine who prevails in the National League West.  The Dodgers, who have spent 130 days in first place already this year,

The Padres host the Dodgers on Friday night. Star centerfielder Jackson Merrill will once again not be in the lineup for the Padres.

S an Diego Padres All-Star center fielder Jackson Merrill is out of the Padres' lineup once again for the Friars' series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday. Merrill has been out of the Padres lineup since leaving the Padres game against the Dodgers last Sunday.

Blake Snell, who has been excellent in his return from an injured list stint, will take the mound for the Dodgers. He holds a 3-1 record and has posted a 1.80 ERA. Meanwhile, the Padres will have their own ace in Yu Darvish up on the mound. The Japanese pitcher is having a bad season with his ERA number just below 6.00.

Expert recap and game analysis of the San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants MLB game from August 20, 2025 on ESPN.

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Rockies and Pirates. No, I couldn’t find a more thrilling game. Colorado’s Antonio Senzatela shut out the Snakes for five frames in his last start. Antonio allowed 14 runs in his previous 4 ²/₃ innings.