San Diego Padres

Fernando Tatis Jr.'s first postseason experience in front of home fans is going better than anyone could have predicted after his two-run homer capped off a six-run second inning in Game 3 of the NLDS lifted the San Diego Padres to a 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Speaking to reporters after Tuesday's win, Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts praised Tatis for "putting it on his back right now" with the team one win away from reaching the NLCS for the second time in three years.

NANDO! PANDEMONIUM!!! #NLDS pic.twitter.com/mEWBVBqMrc

— MLB (@MLB) October 9, 2024

Tatis' only previous postseason appearance with the Padres came during the 2020 season. The Padres did play in front of fans for their NLDS series against the Dodgers, but it was a limited crowd at Globe Life Field in Texas due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two-time All-Star wasn't eligible for San Diego's 2022 playoff run after he was suspended for 80 games due to a violating of MLB's Drug Prevention and Treatment Programs when he tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug Clostebol.

Now that Tatis is back in the playoffs for the first time in four years, he is reminding the world why he is one of the best young stars in the sport. The 25-year-old is hitting .556/.636/1.333 with four homers in 49 plate appearances in five playoff games.

Tatis is playing out of his mind pic.twitter.com/gQxKxCin0t

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 9, 2024

While it is fair to say Tatis is doing a lot of heavy lifting for the Padres, he is not the only player on the team playing well right now. Rookie Jackson Merrill has an 1.156 OPS in his last five games. Kyle Higashioka is slugging .750, and Jurickson Profar has a .429 on-base percentage on top of his trolling defensive skills.

WOW!! JURICKSON PROFAR ROBS MOOKIE BETTS OF A HOME RUN!! 🤯

📲 Watch in 4K on the FOX Sports App pic.twitter.com/aUkqFlKTFV

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 7, 2024

The Padres' lineup is picking up the slack for their rotation so far. After they put up a six spot in the second inning on Tuesday, Michael King allowed the Dodgers back in the game in the top of the third by giving up a grand slam to Teoscar Hernández.

Dylan Cease allowed five runs in 3.1 innings in San Diego's Game 1 loss to the Dodgers.

The Padres have scored at least five runs in each of their last four playoff games. The rest of the playoff field has scored at least five runs in a game a combined total of seven times.

San Diego will look to end the Dodgers' season in the NLDS for the second time in three years in Game 4 at Petco Park on Wednesday at 9:08 p.m. ET. Cease will make his second start of the series looking to redeem himself.

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado will not face discipline after throwing a baseball toward the Los Angeles Dodgers dugout prior to the bottom of the sixth inning during Game 2 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday evening, per ESPN's Alden Gonzalez:

"Major League Baseball reviewed footage of Machado's throw toward the Dodgers' dugout, which caromed to the netting in front of where Roberts usually sits, and will not hand out any discipline, a source told ESPN."

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic previously reported that the Dodgers sent video to Major League Baseball of Machado throwing the ball toward the dugout. Video emerged from multiple sources after it happened.

To be clear, the ball does bounce off the rail and into the field, in which you see the ball boy come up the stairs and retrieve it.

— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) October 8, 2024

Here is an alternate camera angle of San Diego 3B Manny Machado throwing a ball toward the Los Angeles Dodgers' dugout during Game 2 of the NLDS, obtained by ESPN. The incident remains a point of contention with Game 3 tonight, as @Alden_Gonzalez reported: https://t.co/grEVYusdPY pic.twitter.com/Qo0CGqqeVz

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 8, 2024

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Machado's throw was "unsettling."

"It was unsettling," Roberts said, per ESPN's Alden Gonzalez.

"Obviously I have a relationship with Manny from years past. There was intent behind it. It didn't almost hit me because there was a net. And that was very bothersome. If it was intended at me, I would be very -- it's pretty disrespectful. So, I don't know his intent. I don't want to speak for him. But I did see the video. And the ball was directed at me with something behind it. But I don't know what led to that."

Machado said after the game, per AJ Cassavell of MLB.com: "I throw balls all the time into the dugouts. Both dugouts. They have bat boys, you throw the ball back in there."

Padres manager Mike Shildt defended Machado, saying he didn't believe there was any intent at all behind the throw.

At any rate, Machado won't be punished by the league, which is obviously a welcome sight for the Padres. The six-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner hit 29 home runs with 105 RBI. Both figures led the team.

There's ultimately no love lost between the Dodgers and Padres, who have become bitter NL West rivals over the years. The two teams have now faced each other three times in the National League Division Series. L.A. took out San Diego en route to a World Series victory in 2020. The Padres then pulled off a massive upset over the 111-win Dodgers in the 2022 NLDS.

Now the two teams are amid a heated series in 2024, with the winner facing the victor of the New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies NLDS for the right to fight for the pennant.

San Diego Padres manager Mike Schildt defended third baseman Manny Machado amid criticism from the Los Angeles Dodgers after he threw a ball toward their dugout during warmups prior to the bottom of the sixth inning in Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Sunday.

Mike Shildt was asked his thoughts on Dave Roberts' comments about Manny Machado: pic.twitter.com/rIBYfBdWSQ

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) October 8, 2024

"I don't think there was any intent at all with that. Manny has exceptional arm talent. I think he proved that on the triple play," Shildt said, per Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Shildt was referring to the triple play Machado started on Sept. 24 to close a 4-2, postseason-clinching win against the Dodgers.

L.A. manager Dave Roberts notably called Machado's throw "unsettling."

"I didn't notice it at the time," Roberts said Monday, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

"I really didn't. I didn't notice it. I did see the video. And it was unsettling. … If it was intended at me, I would be very—it's pretty disrespectful."

Video of the throw emerged afterward.

To be clear, the ball does bounce off the rail and into the field, in which you see the ball boy come up the stairs and retrieve it.

— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) October 8, 2024

Here is an alternate camera angle of San Diego 3B Manny Machado throwing a ball toward the Los Angeles Dodgers' dugout during Game 2 of the NLDS, obtained by ESPN. The incident remains a point of contention with Game 3 tonight, as @Alden_Gonzalez reported: https://t.co/grEVYusdPY pic.twitter.com/Qo0CGqqeVz

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 8, 2024

Per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the Dodgers have also shared video of the Machado throw with the MLB office.

It's clear the Dodgers were not pleased with Machado, particularly starting pitcher Jack Flaherty.

Jack Flaherty and Manny Machado are still chirping at each other 😳 pic.twitter.com/CsCa3wqVe4

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 7, 2024

"Everybody catches the tail end of it, of me and him going at it, but I was sitting there for my team," Flaherty said, per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. "He was throwing at our dugout. The umpires went over immediately. I don't know what their conversation was, but our dugout was fired up because there's no reason for that."

Machado had this to say on the matter: "I throw balls all the time into the dugouts. Both dugouts. They have bat boys, you throw the ball back in there."

The Machado throw was another storyline in a heated, emotional and competitive series that reached an ugly apex late in the game, when objects were thrown at Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr. and the Padres bullpen.

"First, two baseballs were fired at left fielder Jurickson Profar," Ryan Phillips of Fox 4 KC wrote. "Then several objects were launched in the direction of Fernando Tatis Jr. in right field. As if that wasn't bad enough, video has surfaced of fans throwing objects at Padres pitchers in the bullpen."

The objects included beer cans and water bottles. Security guards lined the field, and the game was delayed for 10 minutes. Order was later restored, and the Padres finished off a 10-2 win.

Now the best-of-five series shifts to San Diego for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday. A split would send the series back to L.A. for Game 5 on Friday.

Game 2 between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers got chippy, both between the teams and between Dodgers' fans and Padres' players.

As the series heads to San Diego for Game 3, the Padres asked fans in both an email to season-ticket holders and on social media to be on their best behavior.

Stay classy, San Diego. pic.twitter.com/GPzjlQaLFS

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) October 8, 2024

"Our game is at its best when our players and fans give everything they have for their team and city while showing respect and sportsmanship towards players and fans of the opposing team," Padres team president Erik Greupner wrote (h/t the Associated Press). "There is never an excuse for abusive speech or behavior towards others at Petco Park.

"As we continue our push for a World Series Championship, our team needs you more than ever," he added. "Please continue to cheer for the Padres with all you have while showing class and good sportsmanship to those around you."

A number of events led to Sunday's Game 2 becoming tense.

It started when Jurickson Profar robbed Mookie Betts of a home run in the first inning and celebrated the fantastic play by facing the home crowd while bouncing up and down in glee:

JURICKSON PROFAR ROBS MOOKIE!!! #NLDS pic.twitter.com/bvByqwsAKB

— MLB (@MLB) October 7, 2024

Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty and Padres third baseman Manny Machado shared words throughout the game. Flaherty struck Fernando Tatis Jr. with a pitch. Machado threw a baseball toward the Los Angeles dugout, with Machado and the Dodgers offering different takes on how hard the ball was thrown and whether it was directed at manager Dave Roberts. Dodgers fans threw debris onto the field at Profar, including baseballs, and into the Padres' bullpen.

A baseball was thrown from the stands towards Jurickson Profar in left field before the bottom of the 7th began.

Profar rightfully is not happy at all. Everybody on the field came over to be with him as the situation continues to unfold.

Security is on the warning track. pic.twitter.com/TXhFMN3FO3

— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) October 7, 2024

"Things probably got a little chippier than expected, quickly," Flaherty told reporters regarding the NLDS matchup between the teams.

The Dogers remained incensed over Machado's actions. The Padres aren't thrilled with the fans at Dodgers Stadium.

"If I was the commissioner of baseball, I wouldn't even allow a Game 5 at their place," Padres reliever Jeremiah Estrada told reporters. "I mean, why? Why would you want to test that to happen again? That's hard to control people. Something's going to happen."

It's hardly a surprise that an NLDS between two divisional rivals, now tied at a game apiece, has become a heated affair. But Game 2 took it to another level. The Padres are hoping to avoid a repeat in Games 3 and 4.

Tensions between San Diego Padres outfielders and Los Angeles Dodgers fans boiled over on Sunday in the seventh inning of Game 2 of the National League Division Series.

The game had to be paused after two baseballs were thrown from the crowd in San Diego outfielder Jurickson Profar's direction, followed by trash and other objects.

Things are getting heated at Dodger Stadium. pic.twitter.com/hfIWFoouiG

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 7, 2024

The fans in the left-field seats at Dodger Stadium threw two baseballs in Jurickson Profar's general direction. The Padres and the entire umpiring crew have converged in left field, while the stadium PA announcer urges the fans to not throw objects onto the field.

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) October 7, 2024

Shortly after, fans started throwing objects directed at Fernando Tatis Jr., leading to further delay.

Now a bunch of fans have thrown objects in Fernando Tatis Jr.'s direction in right field. There are close to 20 security guards standing along the foul lines and play is still delayed. I've never seen anything like this.

— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) October 7, 2024

"Tatis giving them the fake tears." pic.twitter.com/zFypoCPAzm

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 7, 2024

Eventually, after an extended delay, fans stopped throwing objects, and play resumed.

Profar and the Dodgers fans sitting in left field had an exchange early in Sunday's game. In the bottom of the first inning, Profar robbed a Mookie Betts home run before staring down a group of fans and dancing away.

JURICKSON PROFAR ROBS MOOKIE!!! #NLDS pic.twitter.com/bvByqwsAKB

— MLB (@MLB) October 7, 2024

The game was later delayed when fans threw objects at Profar in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The Padres dropped Game 1 of the series on Saturday as Dodgers' star Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run homer to lift Los Angeles to a 7-5 win. San Diego came into Sunday's game looking to even the series, and the Padres clearly came to play.

Before the divisional series started, it was obvious things were going to be heated between the two rivals, and the intensity has already been on display through two games. The series will head to Petco Park on Tuesday for Game 3, where Padres fans will look to make it a tough environment for Los Angeles.

The San Diego Padres are trying their best to keep Los Angeles Dodgers fans out of Petco Park during the National League Division Series.

Dodger Blue's Matthew Moreno spotlighted a message on Ticketmaster that said ticket sales will be restricted to residents of certain areas:

Looks like Padres are continuing to restrict who can purchase tickets to playoff games at Petco Park. pic.twitter.com/4K7qHBPdVM

— Matthew Moreno (@Matthew__Moreno) October 3, 2024

Given their sizable fanbase and the close proximity between Los Angeles and San Diego, the Dodgers have historically been well-represented whenever they play at Petco Park.

For a long time, it didn't really matter that much. Sure, Padres players didn't like their usual stomping grounds turning into "Dodger Stadium South," but the team wasn't very good and the stadium wasn't selling out much anyway.

Things are a lot different now.

The Padres' late owner, Peter Seidler, sensed an opportunity when the Chargers relocated to Los Angeles and created a sports vacuum in the city. He invested heavily into the roster and improvements around Petco Park, and the fans responded in kind.

San Diego averaged the fourth-most fans (41,117) during the regular season, and Petco Park has become an imposing venue for opposing players.

Michael King was asked about his experiences pitching at Petco Park and the type of atmosphere he expects tomorrow: pic.twitter.com/EEzB1zYQQF

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) October 1, 2024

Michael King’s incredible performance, Fernando’s homer and the Petco #Postseason atmosphere …

Kyle Higashioka was blown away by it all! pic.twitter.com/Rv51SgYy22

— MLB (@MLB) October 2, 2024

Attempting to preserve that home-field advantage makes obvious sense. Why wouldn't a team do everything it can to ensure, especially for a postseason series, that those in attendance are their own fans?

This isn't just a reflection of the rivalry between the Padres and Dodgers, either. San Diego reportedly utilized the same tactics when it hosted the Philadelphia Phillies for the 2022 National League Championship Series.

The NL West adversaries will open the NLDS on Saturday. Petco Park hosts Game 3 on Oct. 8 and then Game 4, if necessary, the following night.

The San Diego Padres are moving on to the National League Division Series after completing a sweep of the Atlanta Braves with a 5-4 win on Wednesday.

The Padres will now get a matchup with the top-seeded Los Angeles Dodgers.

All five of San Diego's runs came in the bottom of the second inning, but the early lead meant the Braves had to play from behind for most of the game.

Kyle Higashioka hit his second home run of the series to get the Padres on the board, and Manny Machado followed the deep shot with a two-run RBI double. Jackson Merrill added more insurance with a two-run triple to make it a 5-1 lead.

The Braves homered in the top of the fifth and made things interesting in the eighth after Michael Harris II hit a two-run home run to make it 5-4, but the Padres ultimately kept Atlanta from getting any more runs across for the remainder of the eighth and Robert Suarez set the Braves down in order in the ninth.

Now having secured a spot in the NLDS, the Padres have an exciting matchup against their rivals. It's safe to say fans, including the ones at Petco Park on Wednesday, are excited to see the two teams square off.

Petco Park erupts with “Beat LA” chants. 📣 pic.twitter.com/AL1HgKbDCq

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 3, 2024

Padres Dodgers NLDS is going to be one for the ages.

— 𝐾𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑒 シ (@BSP_Sully) October 3, 2024

I’d assume Dodgers fans aren’t too excited to see the Padres? Feels like the Padres have had their number.

— Phillies Baseball Talk (@FightinsTalk) October 3, 2024

Dodgers x Padres match up is gonna light the city up.

— 𝕯. (@NTVE_Tongue) October 3, 2024

Padres/Dodgers will be must-watch

— Matthew Cardenas (@Matt__Card) October 3, 2024

https://twitter.com/DodgerDougan/status/1841660794347413596

That Padres Dodgers series is gonna be 🔥 https://t.co/OBG6mCaGfi

— MettaWorldCrazy (@MettaWorldCrazy) October 3, 2024

Padres-Dodgers gonna be 🔥🔥🔥🔥

— Matt Hladik (@MattHladik919) October 3, 2024

cannot wait for dodgers padres, gonna be so so good

— andrew (@peteyszn) October 3, 2024

Dodgers Padres is going to go so incredibly hard

— Nate McLean (@NateMcLean14) October 3, 2024

https://twitter.com/elvatomasfresco/status/1841680908870414486

Padres / Dodgers. This will be a battle. It will also crown the WS Winner.

— GrabTheLine (@grab_line) October 3, 2024

Heading into the division series, one thing to note is starting pitcher Joe Musgrove's status. The star exited Wednesday's game early with right elbow tightness, which isn't exactly the best news heading into an important series. Whether he will have to miss time is unclear.

The last time the Padres reached the NLDS in 2022, they faced a top-seeded Dodgers team and beat them 3-1 to advance to the NLCS, where they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies. As they take on their rivals this year, they'll hope to send them packing once again.

The San Diego Padres have a one-game lead over the Atlanta Braves after a 4-0 win in Game 1 of the National League wild card series.

Michael King, who the Padres landed before the season in the Juan Soto trade with the New York Yankees, was dominant on the mound in his first postseason start for San Diego. He had 12 strikeouts and allowed just five hits and no runs across his seven innings, setting up the Padres for the shutout.

And his offense helped him out on the other side.

Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a no-doubter to left center in the bottom of the first to give San Diego an early two-run lead. The Padres also got some solid production from Kyle Higashioka, who an a sac fly RBI in the third and a solo homer in the bottom of the eighth.

After the win, fans hyped Tatis, King and the Padres for taking care of business in Game 1.

FERNANDO TATIS JR. HITS THE FIRST HOME RUN OF THE 2024 #POSTSEASON 🚀 pic.twitter.com/XFqQ06zWTT

— MLB (@MLB) October 2, 2024

Michael King is pretty good https://t.co/PBPNdCv2Qi

— i dont know, some rock wishing palestine was free (@littleargue) October 2, 2024

Hats off to Michael King of the padres he ate us up with the strikeouts

— Bill Arey (@areyshelby) October 2, 2024

https://twitter.com/ItsSighs/status/1841307554414018783

Michael King was right

The Padres won the trade

— Al Scott (@AlScott1998) October 2, 2024

Michael king for president. Have a day kid.

— Clips (@AuraClipsNow) October 2, 2024

I love Michael King. He’s been a stud all year. That was majestic performance.

— Adam Schein (@AdamSchein) October 2, 2024

fernando tatis is good at baseball

— ghost king 💀👻 (@hadesjs1) October 2, 2024

Michael King was brilliant with 7 shutout innings, striking out 12, and Fernando Tatis hit his first playoff HR in front of fans.

Padres take game one, 4-0. It's Joe Musgrove vs. Max Fried tomorrow

— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) October 2, 2024

Fernando Tatis Jr. has some of the rawest no doubters, he up there with Bryce Harper

— ckj 🏜 (@ckjasper) October 2, 2024

Final: Padres 4, Braves 0

Game 1 to San Diego. Michael King shoved. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Kyle Higashioka homered and had two RBIs apiece. The Padres push a beleaguered Braves team to the brink. All six prior teams to win Game 1 of a Wild Card Series at home have swept in 2.

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) October 2, 2024

The Padres are now just one win away from advancing to the divisional series, where they would face the Los Angeles Dodgers. They'll have Joe Musgrove on the mound while Atlanta will look to Max Fried to keep its season alive.

After a close race to secure the 2024 National League batting title, San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arráez emerged victorious.

Arráez recorded his 200th hit of the season during the Padres' 11-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, ending the year with a .314 batting average. He became the first player to win a batting title with three separate teams.

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani nearly earned the first Triple Crown since Miguel Cabrera in 2012. He already owned the NL lead in home runs and RBIs, although his averaged trailed the average of Arráez by four points at the end of Saturday night's action.

Ohtani went 1-for-4 during the Dodgers' 2-1 win over the Colorado Rockies, finishing with a .310 average.

The race didn't initially appear as if it would be close, as Arráez was hitting .320 on Sept. 13 while Ohtani was at .290 (via Baseball Reference).

However, a strong end to the season nearly resulted in the Dodgers' designated hitter winning the first Triple Crown by a National League player since 1937.

In the 15 games prior to Sunday's contest, Ohtani recorded an extremely impressive .476 batting average. This included a 6-for-6 performance during a win over the Miami Marlins on Sept. 19.

The 30-year-old has exceeded expectations in his first year with the Dodgers after signing a 10-year contract worth $700 million in free agency. Even though the two-way star wasn't able to take the mound during the regular season after undergoing elbow surgery, he has still made a large impact for Los Angeles.

Ohtani suited up in a career-high 159 games in 2024, racking up 54 home runs and 130 RBIs to go along with 38 doubles. He also stole 59 bases, becoming the first player in MLB history to join the 50/50 club.

The Dodgers finished the regular season with 98 wins, good enough for the best record in the majors. Even though he wasn't able to win the Triple Crown, Ohtani will still be preparing for the first postseason appearance of his career.

The San Diego Padres are postseason-bound after missing the playoffs a year ago.

A dramatic 4-2 win over the NL West-rival Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday sealed the Padres' postseason fate, and the playoff picture is becoming clearer.

The game ended with Miguel Rojas hitting into a triple play after the first two hitters in the bottom of the ninth reached base.

GAME-ENDING TRIPLE PLAY TO CLINCH POSTSEASON BERTH pic.twitter.com/w2VmNQKWHw

— MLB (@MLB) September 25, 2024

San Diego became the fourth team to clinch a playoff spot in the National League, joining the Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies while just two teams, the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians, have clinched berths in the American League. The Brewers have also already clinched the NL Central.

As the regular season nears its end, here's a look at the updated playoff standings and potential matchups through Saturday's games.

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Projected American League Playoff Matchups

• First-round bye: No. 1 New York Yankees, No. 2 Cleveland Guardians
• Wild Card Series: No. 3 Houston Astros vs. No. 6 Kansas City Royals, No. 4 Baltimore Orioles vs. No. 5 Detroit Tigers

Projected National League Playoff Matchups

• First-round bye: No. 1 Los Angeles Dodgers, No. 2 Philadelphia Phillies 
• Wild Card Series: No. 3 Milwaukee Brewers vs. No. 6 Arizona Diamondbacks, No. 4 San Diego Padres vs. No. 5 New York Mets

Current Standings

AL East

1. New York Yankees (92-65)*
2. Baltimore Orioles (87-70, 5 GB)*
3. Boston Red Sox (80-78, 12.5 GB)
4. Tampa Bay Rays (78-79, 14 GB)
5. Toronto Blue Jays (73-85, 19.5 GB)

AL Central

1. Cleveland Guardians (91-67)**
2. Detroit Tigers (83-74, 7.5 GB)
3. Kansas City Royals (83-74, 7.5 GB)
4. Minnesota Twins (81-76, 9.5 GB)
5. Chicago White Sox (37-120, 53.5 GB)

AL West

1. Houston Astros (86-72)**
2. Seattle Mariners (81-77, 5 GB)
3. Texas Rangers (74-83, 11.5 GB)
4. Oakland Athletics (68-89, 17.5 GB)
5. Los Angeles Angels (63-94, 22.5 GB)

AL Wild Card

1. Baltimore Orioles (87-70, +4 Games)*
2. Detroit Tigers (83-74) 
3. Kansas City Royals (83-74)
4. Minnesota Twins (81-76, 2 GB)
5. Seattle Mariners (81-77, 2.5 GB)
6. Boston Red Sox (80-78, 3.5 GB)
7. Tampa Bay Rays (78-79, 5 GB)

NL East

1. Philadelphia Phillies (93-65)**
2. New York Mets (87-70, 5.5 GB)
3. Atlanta Braves (86-71, 6.5 GB)
4. Washington Nationals (69-88, 23.5 GB)
5. Miami Marlins (58-99, 34.5 GB)

NL Central

1. Milwaukee Brewers (90-67)** 
2. Chicago Cubs (81-77, 9.5 GB)
3. St. Louis Cardinals (80-77, 10 GB)
4. Cincinnati Reds, (76-82, 14.5 GB)
5. Pittsburgh Pirates (73-84, 17 GB)

NL West

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (93-64)*
2. San Diego Padres (91-66, 2 GB)*
3. Arizona Diamondbacks (87-71, 6.5 GB)
4. San Francisco Giants (79-79, 14.5 GB)
5. Colorado Rockies (60-97, 33 GB)

NL Wild Card

1. San Diego Padres (91-66, +4.5 Games)*
2. New York Mets (87-70, +0.5 Games) 
3. Arizona Diamondbacks (87-71)
   
4. Atlanta Braves (86-71, 0.5 GB)

*Denotes clinched playoff spot

**Denotes clinched division

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The Padres' postseason odds were in doubt through the first half of the season, but they posted the best record in baseball since the All-Star break to put them in prime position to reach the playoffs after missing out a year ago.

The addition of Luis Arraez from the Miami Marlins in May gave San Diego a boost on offense. He leads the team with a .323 batting average and has also collected 38 RBI since joining the club.

Fernando Tatis Jr. missed much of the regular season, but he made his return in September to help the Padres make a late postseason push. Having him back in the lineup will be vital in the playoffs.

But San Diego could have a tough wild-card matchup if the current standings hold. The Arizona Diamondbacks have been right on the Padres' tail all season and will be looking for a strong start to the postseason to repeat as National League champs.

The Diamondbacks haven't looked quite like a World Series-contending team this season, but the same could be said of Arizona last year.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have looked like the best team in the National League, thanks in large part to the historic season from Shohei Ohtani. But the Padres are closing in on them in the NL West at just two games back with two more head-to-head matchups on Wednesday and Thursday at Dodger Stadium.

San Diego has already clinched the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Dodgers with an 8-3 record in 11 matchups, so if the two teams finish with the same record at the end of the regular season, the Padres will be the division champion for the first time since 2006.