Padres Rotation Outlook Ahead Of NLDS Matchup Against Dodgers
The San Diego Padres are preparing for their third NLDS matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the past five seasons. Both teams boast explosive lineups, but the Padres hold a crucial edge: starting pitching. While the Dodgers’ rotation remains depleted by injuries—missing stars like Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw—the Padres’ rotation looks ready to take control. After a dominant Wild Card series against the Braves, San Diego’s pitching staff appears poised to carry them deeper into October and potentially back to the NLCS.
Padres Rotation Outlook Ahead Of NLDS Matchup Against Dodgers
Although the Padres celebrated their first-ever postseason sweep with a win over the Braves, there was a cloud hanging over the festivities: the status of Joe Musgrove. The hometown ace left Wednesday’s 5-4 victory early with right elbow tightness, an issue that sidelined him for much of the season before his August return. Musgrove was cruising through 3 ⅔ innings, giving up just one hit and one run and fanning four batters before the injury struck.
In a postgame interview, Musgrove sounded optimistic about his recovery, telling 97.3 The Fan’s Tony Gwynn Jr. that he felt “physically better” and hoped to be back before the end of the postseason. However, given the nature of his injury, it’s possible that his optimism was fueled by the adrenaline of the moment. Realistically, the Padres may face the harsh truth that Musgrove could be sidelined for the rest of October. Even without him, San Diego’s rotation is strong enough to carry them on a deep playoff run.
