The Los Angeles will return to California for a three-game set with the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
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The Division rivals will meet for the first time on Monday since they clashed in the National League Championship Series last October. Matchups are a competitive battle and are poised to be a preview of what’s likely coming in October.
But manager Dave Roberts doesn’t resort to hype.
“Otherwise, we’re division opponents and we’re trying to find a way to win the game. That really doesn’t affect us,” Roberts said on Sunday. “I don’t think we’re playing the best baseball right now, but I think the environment will bring out the best of us. It’s a fun place to play ball games.
The Padres have always been known as the ‘ “brother,” which may be why Roberts doesn’t believe this season’s game is anything other than a different series.
“These fans, those players are standing up to play us,” he said. “It’s clearly a geography part, a part of the rivalry, but I think it does a good job trying not to put too much emphasis on entering that environment other than playing divisional rivals.
National League West is undoubtedly the best division in baseball, and the series between the and Padres could have an impact on both clubs during the tight division race of 2025. Baseball Operations President Andrew Friedman even mentioned NL West’s competitiveness when discussing player cuts.
The may not accept the excitement surrounding the divisional showdown, but it certainly is an important series as they informed the team that winning the NL West is a priority.
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Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Immagn Image
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