San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 8/23/25, 5:22 PM  by Carlos Zabala | Modified on 8/23/25 at 11:00 PM in MLB Picks

The Padres had regained control of the NL West, but that was before they lost it again after being swept by their rival Dodgers in Los Angeles. However, the Dodgers slipped in Colorado, opening another opportunity for the Padres by beating the Dodgers in the first game of the rematch in San Diego. Now the Dodgers and Padres are tied for the division lead, both with a 73-56 record.

The Padres won Game 1 of the series; it was a close one that San Diego won 2-1, and that wasn't without its drama. The Padres' bullpen is elite; if the Padres' starting pitcher leaves the game leading by the sixth inning, it becomes very difficult for the opposition to come back. The Dodgers discovered that, unable to score runs against Adam, Miller, and closer Suárez after Darvish pitched six one-run innings.

It was a pitching duel on Friday. Suárez recorded his 34th save of the year, but just as he did, he struck out Teoscar Hernández to record the 27th out of the game, with Mookie Betts at 3rd representing the tie.

The Dodgers opened as betting favorites for Friday's game and lost; they will also be the favorites for Saturday's game.