After splitting a four-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals, the Los Angeles Dodgers begin a weekend series with the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.
At 88-53, the Dodgers are 2.5 games behind the National League West-leading San Francisco Giants. However, with the second-best record in the NL, they have a 13-game lead for the top Wild Card spot.
The Padres, at 74-65, hold the second Wild Card spot with a one-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds, with three other teams still within five games, so they have a lot on the line this series.
At present time this series could be a preview for the one-game Wild Card in October, or if the Dodgers win the NL West, a potential Division Series matchup.