San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers: Match Player Stats​

Key Takeaways

• The Dodgers vs Padres matchup consistently features top-tier offensive production, elite pitching depth, and high-leverage moments that impact the NL West standings.
• Recent games highlight the contrast between the Dodgers’ lineup depth and the Padres’ star-driven power.
• Pitching metrics such as ERA, strikeout rate, and bullpen WHIP have often determined close outcomes.
• Advanced stats including OPS, WAR, and high-leverage performance offer deeper insight beyond standard box scores.
• Head-to-head history favors Los Angeles overall, but San Diego remains dangerous in short series and playoff-style games.

Recent Game Summary and Box Score Overview

The San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers rivalry remains one of Major League Baseball’s most competitive divisional matchups. Recent games between these NL West powerhouses have featured explosive offense, momentum-shifting home runs, and high-pressure bullpen performances.

In their most recent series, the Dodgers showcased offensive depth, producing multiple multi-run innings. The Padres countered with power hitting from the middle of their order, keeping games close through timely extra-base hits.

CategoryPadresDodgersRuns46Hits810Home Runs12Errors01Strikeouts (Pitching)911

While raw box scores show offensive output, the deciding factors often come down to situational execution. The Dodgers have consistently ranked among league leaders in runners in scoring position conversion, while the Padres tend to rely more heavily on slugging percentage to manufacture runs.

Individual Player Stats: Offensive Leaders

San Diego Padres Top Performers

The Padres’ lineup is built around elite star talent. Key contributors frequently include:

• Fernando Tatis Jr.: Batting average near .280, OPS above .850, consistent stolen base threat. His ability to create extra bases shifts pitching strategy.
• Manny Machado: Reliable RBI producer with strong on-base percentage in divisional games.
• Xander Bogaerts: High-contact hitter contributing multi-hit games in clutch situations.

In recent matchups against Los Angeles, Padres stars have typically produced isolated power numbers above their season averages. However, the lack of consistent bottom-of-the-order support has limited sustained run production.

Los Angeles Dodgers Offensive Standouts

The Dodgers counter with exceptional lineup balance. Their approach combines patience and power.

• Mookie Betts: Elite on-base percentage and run scoring leader. Frequently sets the tone early.
• Freddie Freeman: Batting average above .300 with consistent doubles production.
• Max Muncy and Will Smith: Combined home run power and situational hitting.

Los Angeles typically posts higher team OPS and walk rates than San Diego. This plate discipline forces Padres pitchers into deeper counts, increasing bullpen usage.

Pitching Matchup Breakdown

Starting Pitching Comparison

Pitching has been the defining variable in Padres vs Dodgers contests. When front-line starters take the mound, strikeout totals often exceed 8 per game.

Pitching MetricPadres StarterDodgers StarterERA3.453.10Strikeouts per 99.810.2WHIP1.181.12Innings Pitched6.1 avg6.3 avg

The Dodgers maintain a marginal edge in WHIP and strikeout efficiency. This often limits big innings. The Padres starters, however, have shown strong ground ball rates, helpful in pitcher-friendly Petco Park.

Bullpen Performance

Late innings frequently determine this rivalry. Advanced metrics reveal:

• Dodgers bullpen ERA typically ranks inside the top 10 league-wide.
• Padres bullpen relies heavily on high-leverage arms for closing situations.
• Save conversion rates often exceed 75 percent for both teams.

In one-run games, bullpen command and first-pitch strike percentage have been decisive.

Advanced Metrics That Explain the Rivalry

Traditional box scores tell only part of the story. Advanced analytics provide deeper perspective.

OPS and Run Production

The Dodgers regularly post team OPS figures above .780 in head-to-head matchups, compared to the Padres average closer to .740. That difference translates into more sustained rallies.

Wins Above Replacement (WAR)

Los Angeles typically features multiple players above 4.0 WAR during the season, reflecting roster depth. San Diego’s WAR concentration is more top-heavy, meaning performance volatility increases if a star slumps.

Clutch Performance

In high-leverage plate appearances, both teams elevate slugging percentages. However, Los Angeles often records higher walk rates in tight moments, increasing run expectancy without relying solely on power.

Historical Head-to-Head Record

Historically, the Dodgers hold a significant advantage in overall wins. Over the last decade, Los Angeles has dominated regular season meetings, often winning season series by multiple games.

However, San Diego has delivered strong postseason-style performances in limited playoff encounters and late-season pushes. The intensity of these games has escalated since both teams became legitimate championship contenders.

CategoryDodgers EdgePadres EdgeAll-Time WinsYesNoRecent Season SeriesSlightCompetitivePlayoff IntensityHighHigh

Strategic Turning Points in Recent Games

Beyond player stats, the Padres vs Dodgers rivalry often pivots on:

• Early inning momentum swings from leadoff hitters.
• Mid-game pitching changes in the fifth or sixth inning.
• Defensive efficiency under pressure.
• Pinch-hitting decisions in late innings.

For example, pulling a starter at 85 pitches to exploit platoon splits has repeatedly neutralized power threats. Defensive positioning shifts, particularly against pull-heavy hitters, have also saved multiple runs in close matchups.

Fan and Expert Observations

Analysts frequently describe this matchup as a contrast between depth and explosiveness. The Dodgers excel in roster balance, bench production, and bullpen consistency. The Padres rely more on superstars generating multi-run swings.

Fan sentiment reflects playoff-level intensity. Attendance spikes at Dodger Stadium and Petco Park when these teams meet, underscoring the rivalry’s magnitude within the National League.

What to Watch in Upcoming Matchups

When evaluating future Padres vs Dodgers games, monitor these statistical indicators:

• First-inning run differential: Early leads heavily influence bullpen usage patterns.
• Strikeout-to-walk ratio: Whichever team controls the zone typically wins.
• RISP batting average: Timely hitting has separated victories from narrow losses.
• Bullpen workload: Fatigue after long series can determine late outcomes.

With both franchises regularly contending for the NL West crown, every game carries implications for postseason seeding and divisional supremacy. Expect continued elite-level performances, standout individual statistics, and high-pressure moments whenever the San Diego Padres face the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Padres vs Dodgers Matchups

Why is the Padres vs Dodgers matchup important in the NL West?

This matchup often affects the NL West standings because both teams are regular playoff contenders. Their games can decide division leads, Wild Card position, and postseason seeding.

Which team has the overall edge in the rivalry?

The Dodgers hold a clear edge in all-time wins and have usually taken recent season series. The Padres remain a real threat in short series and playoff-style games, where their stars can swing results quickly.

How do the Dodgers and Padres lineups differ?

You see more lineup depth and plate discipline from the Dodgers, with strong hitters throughout the order. The Padres lean more on star power at the top, with players like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado driving most of the damage.

Which stats matter most in Padres vs Dodgers games?

Pitching stats like ERA, strikeouts per nine innings, WHIP, and bullpen ERA often decide close games. On offense, OPS, walk rate, and batting average with runners in scoring position are key to predicting who will score more runs.

How do advanced metrics explain this rivalry?

You can use OPS, WAR, and high-leverage performance to see how each roster is built and how players perform in pressure spots. The Dodgers usually show higher team OPS and more players with strong WAR, while the Padres concentrate more value in a few stars.

What should you watch for in upcoming Padres vs Dodgers games?

You should track first-inning run differential, strikeout-to-walk ratio, RISP batting average, and bullpen workload. These numbers often show which team controls the game and who has the edge late in tight situations.