Dodgers vs Padres Series Preview: Injuries, Probables & Matchups
The Dodgers head to San Diego for a three-game series. Preview the pitching matchups, injury updates, records, and key storylines.
Los Angeles Dodgers (52-29) versus San Diego Padres (42-37)
SAN DIEGO, CA—The National League West rivalry renews this weekend as the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers (52-29) head to Petco Park for a three-game series against the second-place San Diego Padres (42-37).
While the rivalry is always one of baseball’s most anticipated matchups, the stakes have continued to grow as the Dodgers have opened up an eight-game lead atop the NL West, putting them within striking distance of a double-digit division advantage before the calendar turns to July.
Los Angeles enters the series playing some of its best baseball of the season, winning seven of its last 10 games while continuing to overcome a lengthy list of injuries.
The Padres, meanwhile, have won six of their last 10 contests to remain firmly in both the postseason and division race. However, with the Dodgers creating separation in the standings, this series represents one of San Diego’s best opportunities to begin cutting into the deficit before it becomes even more daunting.
The Dodgers have also had the upper hand in the season series, winning two of the first three meetings between the clubs after taking the final two games of their previous matchup.
Although seven head-to-head matchups will remain following this weekend, every game carries added importance as the Padres look to prevent Los Angeles from pushing its division lead into double digits, while the defending World Series champions aim to further strengthen their grip on the National League West.
Pitching Probables
Game One: Roki Sasaki (3-4, 4.76 ERA) vs Walker Buehler (4-3, 3.96 ERA)
Game Two: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-5, 2.65 ERA) vs Randy Vásquez (6-5, 4.17 ERA)
Game Three: Emmet Sheehan (3-5, 5.32 ERA) vs Michael King (5-6, 3.33 ERA)
Game Times
Game One: 6:45 PM PT, Apple TV
Game Two: 5:40 PM PT, SportsNet LA, Padres.TV, MLB Network (out-of-market)
Game Three: 1:40 PM PT, SportsNet LA, Padres.TV
Who’s In & Who’s Out
The Dodgers continue to manage a lengthy injured list entering their series against the Padres, though several key contributors are nearing returns.
Kyle Tucker remains day-to-day with lower back spasms and will be reevaluated before the series opener. Teoscar Hernández could return as soon as June 29th after beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, while catcher Will Smith is expected back during the club’s homestand that begins on July 2nd. Dalton Rushing is also day-to-day after entering concussion protocol but cleared his initial evaluation.
The pitching staff is gradually getting healthier as well. Blake Snell is scheduled to throw another bullpen session on June 26th as he works back from elbow surgery and could return in mid-July.
Edwin Díaz and Evan Phillips have both resumed throwing and are progressing toward July returns, while Brock Stewart is expected to be activated after completing his rehab assignment.
Blake Treinen is expected back sometime in July after imaging revealed only elbow inflammation, while Tyler Glasnow remains shut down with little progress made in his recovery from lower back spasms.
The Dodgers also have several players facing longer recoveries. Kiké Hernández has resumed baseball activities but remains in the early stages of recovering from a left oblique strain.
Gavin Stone, Ben Casparius, Landon Knack, and Bobby Miller are all expected to miss most or all of the 2026 season, while Brusdar Graterol continues recovering from both shoulder and back surgeries. Jake Cousins remains on track to potentially return during the second half of the season as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Day-to-day (2): Kyle Tucker, Dalton Rushing
10-day IL (3): Kiké Hernández, Teoscar Hernández. Will Smith
15-day IL (1): Blake Treinen
60-day IL (10): Evan Phillips, Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Jake Cousins, Edwin Díaz, Landon Knack, Brusdar Graterol, Ben Casaprius, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow
The Padres continue to battle several notable injuries entering their series against the Dodgers. Right-hander Germán Márquez has been on the 15-day injured list since May 3rd with right forearm nerve irritation but is nearing a return after posting a 2.12 ERA in five rehab appearances with Triple-A El Paso.
Matt Waldron, sidelined since May 15th with a right brachialis strain, has resumed pitching in rehab games and is expected back in July.
Jeremiah Estrada, who landed on the IL on June 5th with right knee inflammation, is also expected to return soon.
Meanwhile, Lucas Giolito was placed on the 15-day IL on June 23rd, retroactive to June 22nd, with right elbow inflammation after experiencing soreness following his June 21st outing.
The Padres are also awaiting several key long-term returns. Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta continue progressing from elbow injuries and have both advanced to long toss, with second-half returns possible.
Jake Cronenworth has resumed live batting practice after suffering a concussion, while catcher Luis Campusano continues recovering from a fractured left big toe.
Outfielder Ramón Laureano underwent season-ending hip surgery on June 5th, and both Bryan Hoeing and Yu Darvish are expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season following major elbow surgeries.
Day-to-day (00):
7-day IL (1): Jake Cronenworth
10-day IL (1): Luis Campusano
15-day IL (4): Germán Márquez, Matt Waldron, Jeremiah Estrada, Lucas Giolito
60-day IL (4): Joe Musgrove, Bryan Hoeing, Nick Pivetta, Ramón Laureano