The Los Angeles Dodgers are squaring off against the San Diego Padres for the second time in 2026, again at Petco Park, for another three-game series.
The Dodgers finished a sweep of the Minnesota Twins on the road before heading to San Diego. LA is currently in the middle of a very long road trip that will end following their next series against Sacramento.
The Padres will try to cut into the Dodgers’ massive National League West lead during their last home stand against the Dodgers for the rest of the regular season.
Petco Park is expected to be rocking all series long, which is what usually happens when the Dodgers come to town.
Dodgers Lineup vs. Padres on Friday
1. Shohei Ohtani, DH
2. Andy Pages, CF
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Mookie Betts, SS
5. Max Muncy, 3B
6. Kyle Tucker, RF
7. Tommy Edman, LF
8. Dalton Rushing, C
9. Alex Freeland, 2B
The big news for the Dodgers is the return of Kyle Tucker, which was expected to come for the Padres series, but given the nature of his back injury, it was unclear whether he would actually return so soon.
He has a great matchup with a right-hander in Walker Buehler, and Tucker has been the talk of the town in Dodger world for his struggles.
Additionally, the Dodgers are standing by Dalton Rushing at catcher, keeping him in the starting lineup despite a rough time behind the plate during Wednesday’s win against the Twins.
Against a righty, the Dodgers should have plenty of success, especially first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is swinging the bat better than ever.
Who is starting for the Dodgers?
Roki Sasaki is taking the mound for the Dodgers for what should be the biggest test of the season. He has not pitched well on the road, and Petco Park will be a totally hostile environment.
He has found success with his splitter, and his command is in a good spot. The Padres offense, one of the worst in baseball, will give him chances for quick outs and to get into rhythm quickly.
