MLB-NEWS: In response to the unexpected injury to the Brewers’ excellent catcher, the manager of the Brewers has formally announced the signing of the Dodgers’ franchise catcher after the deadline. According to ESPN, the Dodgers’ franchise catcher and the Brewers reached a $87.5 million agreement just two minutes ago. however…..

Padres heading to Los Angeles after sweeping Braves

The Padres will travel to Los Angeles Thursday where they will face the Dodgers in a National League Division Series beginning Saturday after sweeping the Atlanta Braves in a Wild Card Series.

“We’re going to play our game,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “It’s about what we do. Clearly going to respect them. They’ve got a really nice club. We fought tooth and nail to get to the end of the season, for the division.

“But now we’re in the part of the season where winner moves on and we wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s going to be a wonderful series. We’re super excited about it. Can’t wait.”

The Padres were 8-5 against Los Angeles in the regular season, including a 2-4 record at Dodger Stadium. The teams also split two games in Seoul, South Korea to start the season.

Dylan Cease will pitch for the Padres in Game 1 of the best-of-five series, opposing fellow right-hander Jack Flaherty.

Cease faced the Dodgers twice in the regular season — allowing one run and three hits in 5 2/3 innings in an 8-1 victory July 31 at Petco Park and getting a no decision in a 4-3 loss Sept. 25 at Dodger Stadium, where he allowed three runs and five hits the score was tied 3-3 when he was relieved at the start of the sixth inning.

Flaherty made his lone 2024 appearance the Padres in that Sept. 25 game, allowing three runs and four hits in five innings.

The Padres defeated the Braves, 5-4, Wednesday night at Petco Park, to win the best-of-three series, two games to none, stringing together six consecutive hits with two outs in the second inning for five runs, then holding off Atlanta’s comeback attempt.