Dodgers vs Padres Preview: Power Meets Depth

The Los Angeles Dodgers arrive in San Diego with one of baseball's most talented pitching staffs. Shohei Ohtani takes the mound as their ace, combining dominant regular-season success with big-game experience from last year's World Series run. Behind him, the Dodgers have depth that's hard to match, though injuries have affected some key arms. Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are currently sidelined, which tests their rotation's resilience. Despite these setbacks, Los Angeles remains dangerous because Ohtani's versatility and their bullpen strength compensate. The Dodgers enter Thursday with a strong 31-19 record and momentum from a recent victory.

San Diego's pitching staff is solid and experienced, built to keep them competitive in a tough division. Randy Vásquez takes the start Thursday against the Dodgers' ace. Michael King anchors the rotation with reliable talent, while veterans like Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove add stability throughout the season. However, the Padres' biggest weapon may be Mason Miller, one of baseball's most electric closers. If Miller locks down the ninth inning while the rotation holds steady, San Diego has a real chance to stay in the playoff hunt. The Padres sit at 29-20, trailing Los Angeles but still within striking distance.

Both teams feature superstar players ready to impact Thursday's game. Manny Machado remains the centerpiece of San Diego, combining offensive power with elite defense at third base. His experience and leadership anchor the Padres' lineup. For Los Angeles, Kyle Tucker joined this offseason to strengthen an already powerful lineup, bringing power and plate discipline. However, Jackson Merrill, San Diego's exciting young talent, sits out Thursday due to injury. Meanwhile, the Dodgers' lineup depth and talent suggest they'll pose a formidable challenge to San Diego's hopes of closing the gap in the division race.