Blog

The Los Angeles Dodgers left San Diego with more than just a win — they took the series, the NL West lead, and most importantly, a spark from one of their struggling sluggers.

In a crucial midweek matchup against the Padres, Teoscar Hernández broke out of a deep offensive funk with a towering three-run home run in the sixth inning, lifting the Dodgers to a 5-2 victory and giving them a two-game edge atop the division.

Let’s break down how LA got it done.

Teoscar Hernández Breaks Out in Big Way

For weeks, Teoscar Hernández had looked lost at the plate. Since returning from an adductor strain in May, he was batting just .171 over 20 games, with only one home run since April 28.

So when manager Dave Roberts dropped him out of the cleanup spot earlier that day, it wasn’t a surprise — though it stung for a player who once led the team in RBIs.

But in the top of the sixth, everything changed.

With the game tied and runners on base, Hernández faced Padres reliever Jeremiah Estrada — and crushed a 2-and-1 fastball into straightaway center field for a 420-foot blast. The three-run shot gave the Dodgers a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

“It felt really good,” Hernández said after the game. “I’ve been working hard every at-bat trying to get back to where I was before I got hurt.”

It was his 11th home run of the season , and it extended his team-leading RBI total to 47 .

Casparius Steps Up in Starting Role

Making the start in place of originally scheduled starter Justin Wrobleski, rookie right-hander Ben Casparius showed why the Dodgers are moving him into the rotation.

Casparius went four innings, allowing just one run , while showing poise beyond his experience level. He now owns a 2.93 ERA this season across both starting and relief appearances.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed after the game that Casparius will remain in the starting role going forward — at least until some of the injured starters return.

“He obviously came up as a starter,” Roberts said. “And where we are right now, he’s certainly showing that he’s one of five.”

Defensive Magic From Andy Pages

If you’re a fan of highlight-reel defense, then Andy Pages is your guy.

In the second inning, Pages saved what could’ve been an extra-base hit — or worse — with a cannon throw from center field. A runner tried to score from second on a single, but Pages fired a 99 mph strike to home plate to nail the runner at the plate.

It was his fifth outfield assist of the season , tied for fifth-most in the majors.

“I haven’t seen anybody play in the outfield at the level he has this year,” Casparius said. “It’s something we all expect now — and he picked me up big time right there.”

Key Moments That Changed the Game

Before Hernández’s heroics, the game was locked in a pitcher’s duel.

Michael Conforto tied the game at 1-1 with a solo homer in the fifth, his first since early April.
Freddie Freeman reached base with a gritty infield single despite playing through a sore ankle and quad.
Will Smith followed with a key walk, setting up Hernández’s go-ahead blast.
In the seventh, reliever Michael Kopech struggled again, walking three batters to load the bases — but Anthony Banda escaped the jam thanks to a heads-up play by Mookie Betts .
Down the stretch, Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia closed the door, sealing the win and the series.

A Win That Feels Like a Turning Point

This wasn’t just another midseason win — it was a statement.

The Dodgers came into San Diego needing a response after dropping the opener, and they got it in full force. With Hernández heating up, Casparius stepping up, and the defense locking in, LA looks ready to take control of the division.

And with the Padres headed to Dodger Stadium next week for another four-game set, this momentum could not have come at a better time.

With their starting rotation stretched thin due to injuries, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made a bold move — giving right-hander Ben Casparius a shot in the starting rotation.

After another strong outing out of the bullpen earlier this week — where he threw four innings of one-run ball against the Padres — manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Casparius will transition into a starting role for the foreseeable future.

Roberts told reporters before the game that with the club short on healthy starters, they’re looking to stretch Casparius out further. After today’s performance, the decision was made official: his next appearance will come as a starter.

Let’s break down why this move makes sense, how Casparius has earned it, and what it means for the rest of the season.

Who Is Ben Casparius?

Casparius, a fifth-round pick in 2021, made his MLB debut last August and immediately impressed. Over 8⅓ innings down the stretch, he posted a 2.16 ERA and a 1.73 FIP . He was so effective that the Dodgers added him to their postseason roster — and he delivered when it mattered most.

In six-plus innings across the NLCS and World Series, Casparius held opponents to a 1.42 ERA , showing poise far beyond his experience level.

This season, he’s only gotten better.

Through 44 innings in 2025, Casparius has maintained elite numbers:

• 2.86 ERA
• 1.89 FIP
• 26.0% strikeout rate
• Just 5.1% walk rate

He’s been one of the most reliable arms in the Dodgers’ pitching mix — even if he was only being used in relief.

Why the Move to Starting Role?

The timing couldn’t be better for a change.

With key starters like Tony Gonsolin , Blake Snell , Tyler Glasnow , and Roki Sasaki all currently on the injured list, the Dodgers have had to get creative with their rotation. Even Shohei Ohtani is still weeks away from returning to the mound.

That leaves them leaning heavily on internal options, and frankly, not many have stepped up.

Lefty Justin Wrobleski , who got the first crack at filling in, has struggled with a 7.20 ERA in 15 innings this year. Bobby Miller and Landon Knack haven’t fared much better, posting ERAs north of 5.00.

Right-hander Nick Frasso is the only other starter on the 40-man roster, but he hasn’t yet reached the majors and has had his own ups and downs in Triple-A.

Given those circumstances, promoting Casparius — who already has proven big-league success — seems like a no-brainer.

What Can We Expect From Casparius as a Starter?

So far, Casparius has been limited to facing lineups just once or twice through the order. He’s never been asked to go deeper than about 70 pitches, maxing out at 54 in this latest start-like outing.

But given how efficiently he works and how dominant he’s been, there’s reason to believe he can handle more.

He doesn’t overpower hitters with velocity, but he mixes speeds well, keeps the ball low in the zone, and generates weak contact. His pitch arsenal includes a solid fastball, a sharp slider, and an improving changeup — tools that should serve him well in longer outings.

Even if the Dodgers don’t expect him to go deep into games, using him as a “bulk guy” who can eat up innings through the fifth or sixth could give the back end of the bullpen a much-needed break.

A Temporary Fix or Something More?

While the Dodgers are giving Casparius this opportunity out of necessity, it’s not hard to imagine him making the most of it.

If he continues to perform — especially against tough lineups — he might find himself sticking around in the rotation, at least until some of the bigger names return.

Still, with so many high-end starters ahead of him on the depth chart, it’s unlikely he’ll hold onto the role permanently unless more injuries pop up.

For now, though, it’s a chance to prove he belongs — and given how well he’s done so far, that shouldn’t be in question for long.

The rivalry is back — bigger, louder, and more anticipated than ever.

For the first time this season, the San Diego Padres are set to face off against their longtime rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in a high-stakes three-game series at Petco Park. With playoff memories still fresh from last year’s heartbreaker, emotions are running high on both sides.

Whether you’re a die-hard Friar fan or just tagging along for the ballpark vibes, here’s everything you need to know before heading into the ballpark.

What to Know Before You Go

The Big Picture

This isn’t just another series. It’s a chance for the Padres to start turning the page on last year’s playoff disappointment — and fans are showing up ready for it.

Petco Park has been sold out for every recent Padres-Dodgers matchup, and this week’s games are no exception. If you’ve got tickets, get excited — this is baseball at its best.

Who’s Playing?

Both teams are bringing their A-games.

On the field, expect to see stars like:

• Fernando Tatis Jr.
• Manny Machado
• Luis Arraez
• Shohei Ohtani
• Mookie Betts
• Freddie Freeman

As for pitching:

• Monday : Nick Pivetta (Padres) vs. Dustin May (Dodgers)
• Tuesday : Dylan Cease (Padres)
• Wednesday : Randy Vasquez (Padres)

The Dodgers’ rotation beyond Monday is still being finalized, but you can bet they’ll bring their best arms for this showdown.

Getting There: Parking & Transit Tips

Driving & Parking

If you’re driving, parking near Petco Park fills up fast. Here’s what to do:

• Buy a pre-paid parking pass through the Padres’ preferred lots

• Use an app like SpotHero to reserve a spot ahead of time
• Avoid last-minute stress by planning early.

Public Transit

San Diego’s MTS is boosting trolley service during the series, making it easy and affordable to skip the traffic.

• Orange and Green Lines drop you off near the Gaslamp Quarter entrance

• Blue Line puts you close to the Tailgate Lot

You can also park at any MTS Park & Ride lot for free and ride downtown hassle-free.

Gate Times & First Pitch

All stadium gates open 90 minutes before game time , so arrive early if you want to grab food or take in the pre-game buzz.

• Monday & Tuesday : First pitch at 6:40 p.m.
• Wednesday : First pitch at 1:10 p.m.

Member-only gates open about 30 minutes before general admission , so keep that in mind if you have club access.

Bag Policy & Stadium Rules

Petco Park has a clear bag policy , so make sure you follow these rules:

• Bags larger than 5” x 7” must be transparent
• Clear bags must not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
• Small clutches, fanny packs (5” x 7” or smaller), and medical/infant bags are allowed

If you’re bringing food or drinks:

• Food must be wrapped or in soft-sided containers
• One sealed water bottle (plastic only), juice, milk, or ADA-approved liquids allowed
• Reusable bottles up to 1 liter are okay — as long as they’re empty when you enter
• No outside alcohol permitted

Items Not Allowed

To keep everyone safe, here’s a quick list of what stays home:

• Loudspeakers or sound systems
• Firearms or weapons
• Cameras with lenses over 6”
• Drones or UAVs
• Laser pointers
• Smoking devices (including vapes in some cases)
• Glass containers
• For a full list, visit petcopark.com .

Food, Fun, and Fan Experience

Petco Park continues to impress with its mix of local eats, craft beer, and interactive fan zones. Whether you’re grabbing a bite at the KitchenAid Alley or snapping photos at the Tony Gwynn statue, there’s always something going on between innings.

Don’t miss the local family flying a giant Padres flag from a drone — it’s become a fan favorite and a must-see moment.

This Padres vs. Dodgers series is more than just baseball — it’s a cultural event. With playoff energy already building and every seat filled, this is the kind of game-day experience that makes San Diego special.

Make sure you plan ahead, pack smart, and get ready for one unforgettable week at Petco Park.

The Los Angeles Dodgers Insider Update’ pitching staff has been hit hard by injuries this season, and according to insider reporting from MLB.com’s Sonja Chen, fans shouldn’t expect any major returns before the All-Star Break .

In a recent update, Chen confirmed that none of the team’s injured starting pitchers — including Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki — are likely to take the mound for the Dodgers before July. Shohei Ohtani, though progressing in his Tommy John rehab, also isn’t expected back before midseason, per Bob Nightengale.

This news comes as a blow to a rotation already stretched thin, but general manager Brandon Gomes says the team is playing the long game — prioritizing health over rushed comebacks.

Snell, Glasnow, and Sasaki Still in Recovery Mode

Each of the three key starters has faced setbacks or slow progress in their rehab timelines:

Blake Snell (shoulder inflammation)

The two-time Cy Young winner signed a massive five-year, $182 million deal with the Dodgers last winter, but has only made two starts since joining the club. He landed on the 15-day IL in April and was later moved to the 60-day IL. No official return date has been set.

Tyler Glasnow (shoulder issues)

Glasnow, another high-profile arm added in the offseason, has also battled shoulder inflammation. He was placed on the 60-day IL in May after his rehab stalled following a bullpen session on May 23.

Roki Sasaki (right shoulder impingement)

Sasaki has appeared in eight games this season, more than Snell or Glasnow, but he too has struggled with recurring shoulder discomfort — an issue he dealt with even during his time in Japan. He’s currently on the 15-day IL and hasn’t received a firm timeline for return.

“They’ve all had slow recoveries,” said Chen. “It’s been slow going for Snell, Sasaki, and Glasnow, who’s in somewhat of a holding pattern.”

Ohtani Progressing, But Not Rushing Back

While not a traditional starter, Shohei Ohtani remains a crucial piece of the Dodgers’ postseason puzzle. The two-way star continues to recover from Tommy John surgery and has shown positive signs, but there’s no rush to get him back on the mound before the break.

His bat remains sorely missed, especially as the team tries to maintain its lead in the NL West.

Dodgers Still Leading Despite Rotation Woes

Despite the injury struggles, the Dodgers remain atop the National League West. Their current healthy starters — Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Landon Knack , and Clayton Kershaw — have done enough to keep the team competitive.

And if the injured arms do return closer to the postseason as planned, the team could become even more dangerous when it matters most.

Manager Dave Roberts recently echoed that sentiment, saying the team is confident they’ll get everyone back — just not quite yet.

“We know what we’re missing, but we also know what’s at stake in October,” Roberts said. “Patience now could mean success later.”

• Key Takeaways From the Latest Dodgers Injury Report
• No injured starters expected back before All-Star Break
• Snell, Glasnow, and Sasaki all dealing with shoulder issues
• Ohtani progressing, but not rushing back
• Current rotation holding up despite injuries
• Dodgers still leading NL West and planning for a full-strength playoff push

In a night full of drama at Dodger Stadium, the New York Mets watched helplessly as a costly defensive blunder opened the door for a stunning four-run comeback by the Los Angeles Dodgers. What looked like a secure win quickly spiraled into chaos in the bottom of the eighth inning.

The Play That Changed Everything

With the Mets clinging to a 5-4 lead, reliever Reed Garrett appeared to get out of a jam when Andy Pages hit a routine grounder toward third baseman Brett Baty. It was the kind of play that happens dozens of times every game — nothing flashy, just basic execution.

But what followed was anything but ordinary.

Dodgers catcher Will Smith took off for home from third base the moment the ball hit Pages’ bat. Baty fielded the ball cleanly but fired a throw that bounced short of home plate. Catcher Francisco Alvarez lunged for it, but the ball popped loose as he collided with pitcher Reed Garrett — who was trying to back up the play.

Smith slid in safely, tying the game at 5-5, and the entire sequence played out like something from a slapstick comedy sketch. Fans watching live couldn’t believe what they had just seen.

From Bad to Worse: Conforto Comes Through

Just when the Mets thought they’d survive the inning, things got even worse. Up stepped former Met Michael Conforto, who hadn’t recorded an RBI hit with two outs all season long. He laced a go-ahead single into the outfield, giving the Dodgers their first lead of the inning.

For Conforto, it was a rare bright spot in what’s been a tough season since joining the reigning champs on a $17 million deal. His stat line coming into Thursday read .167/.311/.270 — not exactly what the Dodgers were hoping for.

But on this night, he delivered when it mattered most.

Dodgers Hold On for the Win

Los Angeles turned to struggling closer Tanner Scott in the ninth, and while he allowed a single and struck out two, he managed to seal the deal with a flyout from Luisangel Acuña.

The final score: Dodgers 6, Mets 5 .

Mets’ Nightmare Series Continues

This loss stung more than most. The Mets had taken three of the first four games in this series, but now head home having split the set after a brutal late-game collapse.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, remain atop the NL West at 38-25 and continue to defy expectations despite a thin pitching staff.

The Mets have made strides under owner Steve Cohen, but moments like these bring back memories of past seasons filled with inconsistency and heartbreak. One misplay, one slip-up — and suddenly the momentum shifts entirely.

The Los Angeles Dodgers Dodgers Clarify Mookie Betts came out on top in their highly anticipated series against the New York Yankees, taking two out of three games. But one key name was noticeably missing from the lineup—Mookie Betts.

As the team heads into a new week, fans are eager to know when their All-Star right fielder will return to action. Manager Dave Roberts recently shared an update on Betts’ status, offering some encouraging news.

Mookie Betts Shows Progress in Recovery

According to Dodgers beat reporter Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register , Betts has started light hitting and showed no signs of discomfort while swinging the bat. That’s a positive sign for a player who’s been sidelined with a fractured toe.

Before Sunday’s game, Betts was seen taking swings in the batting cage. While he remains day-to-day, this small but significant step forward gives the team optimism about his timeline.

Roberts confirmed that Betts is feeling better and expects to reevaluate him early in the week. The manager also revealed his short-term plan involving Betts, which includes holding off on a return until at least Tuesday.

Hyeseong Kim Fills In at Shortstop

With Betts out, rookie Hyeseong Kim got the start at shortstop on Monday as the Dodgers welcomed the New York Mets to Chavez Ravine. Meanwhile, veteran Miguel Rojas handled shortstop duties during the Yankees series.

Though Kim didn’t see time in the infield during the weekend games, he’s now getting opportunities to prove himself as Betts continues his recovery.

Could Mookie Betts Return This Week?

There may be good news on the horizon. According to USA Today baseball columnist Bob Nightengale, Betts hinted at a potential return soon.

“Mookie Betts says he’s feeling better and expects to be back in the Dodgers lineup in the next couple of days,” Nightengale tweeted on Sunday.

That sentiment was backed up by reports indicating that Betts’ toe has improved significantly. He’s even able to wear a shoe over it, a small but important milestone in his recovery process.

Betts hasn’t played since May 28 against the Cleveland Guardians, where he struggled at the plate, going just 2-for-14 across three games. Still, his presence—even when not fully locked in—makes a difference.

What’s Next for the Dodgers?

With June just around the corner, all eyes are on whether Betts can make his way back early in the new month. His return would give the Dodgers a major boost as they continue to push for dominance in the NL West.

The Los Angeles Dodgers picked up a solid win over the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night, coming out on top 9-5 at Dodger Stadium. The spotlight was once again on Shohei Ohtani , who launched his major league-leading 20th home run of the season.

Ohtani Hits 20th Home Run, Ties MLB Record

In the fourth inning, Ohtani connected on a cutter from Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee and sent it soaring into the left-field stands, giving the Dodgers an early 4-0 lead. It marked his second 20-homer season in MLB and made him just the third player in Dodgers history to reach 20 homers within the team’s first 55 games — joining Gil Hodges (1951) and Cody Bellinger (2019) .

This also marked the 10th time since 2018 that Ohtani has homered in three straight games — a testament to his consistency and power this season.

Key Moments: Muncy and Conforto Add Long Balls

Ohtani wasn’t the only one swinging for the fences.

Michael Conforto got the scoring started with a solo shot in the second.
Max Muncy provided some late-game fireworks, launching a dramatic three-run homer off reliever Nic Enright in the ninth to extend the lead to 9-3.
Muncy’s blast came at a perfect moment, helping put the game out of reach and giving the fans something to cheer about.

Pitching Performances: May Shines, Guardians Struggle Late
On the mound, Dustin May continued his strong return to form. He struck out a season-high nine batters over five innings while allowing just three runs . His fastball-slider combo looked sharp, and he kept Cleveland’s lineup guessing all night.

For the Guardians, things unraveled after the fifth inning. Their bullpen gave up six runs in the final four frames, including Muncy’s big fly.

Guardians’ Bright Spot: Schneemann and Ramírez

Despite the loss, Cleveland had its moments:

Daniel Schneemann crushed a three-run homer in the fourth to cut the deficit.
José Ramírez extended his hitting streak to 20 games , the longest active streak in the majors, with a single in the same inning.
Ramírez continues to be a rock for the Guardians, but the offense couldn’t keep pace with L.A.’s firepower.

Inspirational Storyline: Nic Enright’s Return

One of the more emotional subplots of the night involved Nic Enright , who allowed Muncy’s three-run homer in the ninth. Enright, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2022 , made just his second MLB appearance after being called up last Saturday.

His presence on the mound was a powerful reminder of perseverance in sports.

Key Stat: Ohtani Continues Historic Season

With his 20th home run, Ohtani now leads the majors in round-trippers and is well on his way to another MVP-caliber campaign. This milestone comes in just 55 games , showing how dominant he’s been both as a hitter and a runner this year.

What’s Next?

The teams will meet again Wednesday night for the second game of the series.

• Clayton Kershaw takes the mound for the Dodgers, looking to stabilize his shaky start to the season (7.50 ERA).
• Slade Cecconi was originally scheduled to pitch for Cleveland but has been pushed back due to right groin tightness .