Los Angeles Dodgers seek to widen NL West lead against San Diego Padres

The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the July series with a commanding 12‑game lead in the National League West, holding the best record in the majors at 57‑31. Facing second‑place San Diego, the Dodgers aim to extend the advantage as they host the Padres at Dodger Stadium. Shohei Ohtani is slated to start for Los Angeles, while the Padres, sitting at 43‑43, are trying to halt a six‑game losing streak.

The Dodgers have already defeated the Padres in two of three games in San Diego earlier in the season and look to add another win to reinforce their division dominance. The Padres, reeling from recent heavy defeats, hope to improve their standing and avoid slipping to .500 again.