{"id":39245,"date":"2020-10-06T13:57:49","date_gmt":"2020-10-06T17:57:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=39245"},"modified":"2020-10-06T13:57:49","modified_gmt":"2020-10-06T17:57:49","slug":"dodgers-vs-padres-nlds-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2020\/10\/06\/dodgers-vs-padres-nlds-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"Dodgers vs. Padres NLDS Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/mlb-teams\/los-angeles-dodgers\/\" target=\"_self\">Los Angeles Dodgers<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/mlb-teams\/san-diego-padres\/\" target=\"_self\">San Diego Padres<\/a> both defeated NL Central opponents and will now face off in the NLDS. Los Angeles swept the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/mlb-teams\/milwaukee-brewers\/\" target=\"_self\">Milwaukee Brewers<\/a> behind strong pitching, allowing only two runs in two games. The Padres lost the opener against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/mlb-teams\/st-louis-cardinals\/\" target=\"_self\">St. Louis Cardinals<\/a>\u00a0but surged back behind their powerful offense and sturdy bullpen to win the next two and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2020\/10\/03\/padres-advance-to-nlds-shutout-cardinals-4-0\/\" target=\"_self\">take the series<\/a>. This will be the first time the division rivals meet in the postseason.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offense<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Dodgers\u2019 offense was among the best in the regular season, but they didn\u2019t need much of it in the NLWC. They pulled off the sweep despite scoring only seven runs in two games, well below their season average. In <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2020\/10\/01\/dodgers-brewers-20200930-wild-card\/\" target=\"_self\">Game One<\/a>, two doubles by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bettsmo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mookie Betts<\/a>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/seageco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Corey Seager<\/a> home run, and six total walks provided the run support. Then in Game Two, Betts doubled in two runs to crack <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/w\/woodrbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brandon Woodruff<\/a> in the fifth inning, leading to a 3-0 win. The Dodgers will be happy with the results, but they expect a higher overall level of production in the division series.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Padres\u2019 offense scored the most runs (19) of any NL team last week, highlighted by the 11-9 slugfest in which they hit five home runs, all after the fifth inning. MVP candidate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/t\/tatisfe02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fernando Tatis Jr.<\/a> continued to lead the San Diego offense, going 5-10 with two home runs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/machama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Manny Machado<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=,myerswi01&amp;search=Wil+Myers&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wil Myers<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/p\/phamth01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tommy Pham<\/a> are also important pieces in a lineup ranked by MLB.com as the best in any division series. With two of the best offenses in baseball, this series should be exciting and entertaining.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">How would you rank them? <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/nYIUK5GHCD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/nYIUK5GHCD<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/QvmAWNRfXa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/QvmAWNRfXa<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 MLB (@MLB) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MLB\/status\/1312894720369098752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">October 4, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pitching<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/buehlwa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Walker Buehler<\/a> is still dealing with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/sports\/dodgers\/story\/2020-09-30\/walker-buehler-blister-dodgers-series-brewers-wild-card-mlb\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">blister issue<\/a>, but other than that, the Los Angeles pitching staff is firing on all cylinders. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/u\/uriasju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Julio Urias<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/t\/treinbl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Blake Treinen<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/j\/janseke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kenley Jansen<\/a> relieved Buehler in Game One of the NLWC and shut down the Brewers\u2019 offense. Then <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kershcl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Clayton Kershaw<\/a> pitched possibly the best postseason game of his career, striking out 13 in eight innings to seal the series in Game Two. The Dodgers\u2019 pitchers should be fully rested and prepared for the Padres\u2019 hitters. Buehler, once again, will started Game One, followed by Kershaw. After that, we could see Urias, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gonsoto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tony Gonsolin<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/maydu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dustin May<\/a> get the start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Padres are hoping that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/c\/clevimi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mike Clevinger<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lametdi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dinelson Lamet<\/a>, their two best starters, will be available this series after missing the NLWC with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/mlb\/story\/_\/id\/30008228\/sources-mike-clevinger-san-diego-padres-concerned\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">arm injuries<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/d\/davieza02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zach Davies<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/p\/paddach01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Paddack<\/a> had rough starts against St. Louis last week, so any reinforcement would be welcome. The relievers, on the other hand, have formed one of the best units in baseball behind guys like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/p\/pomerdr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Drew Pomeranz,<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/p\/paganem01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Emilio Pagan,<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rosentr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trevor Rosenthal<\/a>. San Diego\u2019s bullpen will need to continue its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/padres\/news\/padres-win-nl-wild-card-series-2020\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">record-setting dominance<\/a> to hold the Los Angeles offense in check. If the Padres\u2019 pitching staff shows any sign of fatigue, the Dodgers will be looking to take advantage early in the series.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to Watch For<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How L.A. Deals with Tatis Jr.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fernando Tatis Jr. was a force to be reckoned with this year, hitting .277\/.366\/.571 with 17 home runs. His hitting has been electric and contagious this year, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/news\/fernando-tatis-jr-homers-twice-adds-epic-bat-flip\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">as the Cardinals witnessed<\/a> last week. Tatis Jr. has a career batting average of .200 (10-50) against the Dodgers, and keeping him quiet may be key for the Dodgers\u2019 pitching staff. Interestingly enough, Tatis Jr. and Dustin May have already faced off 12 times in their young careers, with May striking him out four times and allowing only one hit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resuming a 10-game Saga<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Dodgers won six of the ten games in a season series that was wildly entertaining. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/dodgers\/news\/padres-dodgers-2020-season-recap\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Among the highlights<\/a> were multiple home plate collisions, a game ending outfield assist by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/t\/tayloch03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Taylor<\/a>, and a three-home-run game by Mookie Betts. Most recently, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/g\/grishtr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trent Grisham<\/a>\u2019s boisterous bat flip <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/mlb\/news\/dodgers-manager-dave-roberts-took-exception-to-trent-grisham-admiring-home-run-off-of-clayton-kershaw\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">angered<\/a> the Dodgers\u2019 dugout and fueled <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/mlb\/story\/_\/id\/30041422\/mlb-playoffs-2020-breaking-bad-blood-all-four-division-series\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">tensions<\/a> between the clubs. As we\u2019ve seen all season, the best two teams in the NL have a flare for the dramatic, specifically when going head-to-head.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trade Deadline Tactics<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the July 31st trade deadline, the Dodgers and Padres took very different approaches. Los Angeles <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2020\/09\/05\/dodgers-trade-deadline-underscores-confidence\/\" target=\"_self\">held tight<\/a>, making virtually no moves except trading away pitcher <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/stripro01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ross Stripling<\/a>. The Padres, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2020\/09\/02\/padres-trade-deadline-friars-fix-whats-broken\/\" target=\"_self\">on the other hand<\/a>, landed several impact players, most notably pitcher Mike Clevinger. Clevinger, having gone 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA in four starts since the trade, is still questionable with an arm injury. San Diego also reeled in relievers Trevor Rosenthal and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/a\/altavda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dan Altavilla<\/a>, catchers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/c\/castrja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jason Castro<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/n\/nolaau01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Austin Nola<\/a>, and first baseman <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/morelmi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mitch Moreland<\/a>. If San Diego\u2019s deadline pickups contribute to a series win, it will raise questions about the Dodgers\u2019 patience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Role Players Making an Impact<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both of these teams are incredibly deep, both offensively and with their pitching, so the superstars won&#8217;t be the only difference-makers. Perhaps rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/c\/croneja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Cronenworth<\/a> will deliver a key home run like he did <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/gameday\/cardinals-vs-padres\/2020\/10\/02\/635932#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=videos,game=635932\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">on Friday<\/a>. Or maybe Chris Taylor will spark the offense with a key single like the one against Brandon Woodruff on Thursday. Maybe Padres\u2019 reliever <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/j\/johnspi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pierce Johnson<\/a> will continue his breakout season and come up big in a high-leverage situation. Maybe one of the Dodgers\u2019 youngsters, May or Gonsolin, will shut down the Padres\u2019 potent offense in their first postseason start. Despite the undeniable presence of stars, this series may be won by the role players.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the teams gear up for a Texas showdown, all of Southern California eagerly awaits. Game One is scheduled for Tuesday night at 6:30pm Pacific from Globe Life Field in Arlington.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Main Photo<br \/>\n<a id=\"ECfJMx7uTIJvnDlF7Hl4lg\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1227898737\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'ECfJMx7uTIJvnDlF7Hl4lg',sig:'Ihc9lLZQnsv6buhUGBaFo-aT-gCZUopynyedLCMmgu8=',w:'594px',h:'395px',items:'1227898737',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres both defeated NL Central opponents and will now face off in the NLDS. Los Angeles swept the Milwaukee Brewers behind strong pitching, allowing only two runs in two games. The Padres lost the opener against the St. Louis Cardinals\u00a0but surged back behind their powerful offense and sturdy [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3628,"featured_media":39316,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1071,33,30],"tags":[68,97,104,1625,92,664,69,250,93,2265],"class_list":["post-39245","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb","category-dodgers","category-padres","tag-baseball","tag-clayton-kershaw","tag-corey-seager","tag-fernando-tatis-jr","tag-los-angeles-dodgers","tag-mike-clevinger","tag-mlb","tag-mookie-betts","tag-san-diego-padres","tag-walker-buehler"],"modified_by":"Evan Thompson","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39245","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3628"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39245"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39245\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39316"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39245"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39245"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39245"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}