As the MLB postseason approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain the team to beat, even for division rivals like the San Diego Padres. Veteran analyst Steve Phillips weighed in on the storied rivalry between the two teams, offering a blunt assessment of the Padres’ chances.
“I don’t think the Padres can beat the Dodgers,” Phillips said. “Go back to 2020, the Padres are 32-55 against the Dodgers. And even when they had them on the brink last year in the playoffs, they couldn’t finish them off. I think the Padres’ road to the World Series cannot be through the Dodgers. They need somebody else to take them out.”
While Phillips’ perspective emphasizes historical trends, other voices, including analyst Rob Parker, feel the Dodgers may not carry the same magic as last year. San Diego, meanwhile, remains undaunted. The Padres return many of the same core players, and after recent strong performances, the team believes it can beat anyone, Dodgers included.
Playoff Roster Questions
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As the postseason nears, the Padres face three major considerations. First, who starts Game 3 in a potential winner-take-all Wild Card matchup. Michael King is likely to start Game 2, behind Nick Pivetta in Game 1, but Game 3 options—Yu Darvish, Dylan Cease, and Randy Vásquez—carry question marks. Analysts lean toward Darvish for his prior success in high-pressure, winner-take-all games.
Second, Ramón Laureano’s injury shakes up the lineup. Gavin Sheets and Bryce Johnson could fill in, though adjustments will be needed against left-handed pitchers. Jose Iglesias remains a bench option, but Johnson’s defensive versatility makes him a candidate to start in left field.
Finally, the last three roster spots remain uncertain. The Padres appear set on five starters, six relievers, and three bench players. Predictions include recalling Will Wagner, while Kyle Hart and Yuki Matsui fill bullpen roles. Laureano’s absence slightly reduces the need for a 14th position player.
Staying Competitive
Manager Mike Shildt emphasized the balance between resting key players and competing down the stretch. “We’re still looking to go compete, because we still have some unfinished business this season,” Shildt said. “We’re gonna still go… give guys the right opportunity and the rest and still compete to take down more wins.”
With the Dodgers just 2.5 games ahead in the NL West, the Padres remain focused on positioning themselves for home-field advantage in the Wild Card series. Their 49-29 record at Petco Park underscores the potential for a postseason edge. History may favor Los Angeles, but San Diego is prepared to make the playoffs anything but predictable.