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<h2>Opportunity Missed for Dodgers and Padres</h2>
<p>In the upcoming weeks, both the <a target="_blank" class="link" href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers">Dodgers</a> and <a target="_blank" class="link" href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2025-08-23/shaikin-on-dodgers-vs-padres">San Diego Padres</a> had straightforward tasks ahead: win against the weaker teams.</p>
<p>The Dodgers were set to face a series of 15 consecutive games against teams with losing records, while the Padres would play 13 of their next 16 matchups against underperforming opponents, aside from a game against the slightly above .500 Cincinnati Reds.</p>
<p>This presented an ideal chance for both teams to accumulate victories, gain momentum heading into the season's final stretch, and attempt to take control of the division race, which the Dodgers led by two games. However, both teams stumbled on their first challenge.</p>
<p>In Los Angeles, the Dodgers faced a disappointing <a target="_blank" class="link" href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/d-backs-vs-dodgers/2025/08/29/776534/final/box" target="_blank">3-0 loss</a> to the underachieving Arizona Diamondbacks. They tallied only three hits and managed a single runner in scoring position, marking their seventh shutout of the season. Simultaneously, the Padres experienced a lackluster performance against the struggling Minnesota Twins, losing 7-4.</p>
<p>As a result, the standings remained unchanged that night, with both teams disappointing in their respective contests. The Dodgers’ loss snapped their four-game winning streak, affecting their recent surge both offensively and on the mound.</p>
<p>Starting pitcher <a target="_blank" class="link" href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2025-08-09/dodgers-blue-jays-blake-snell-shohei-ohtani">Blake Snell</a> surrendered three runs over 5⅓ innings, facing challenges with a noticeable decline in his fastball velocity. Having averaged 95.4 mph before, he pitched closer to 93 mph in his first start following the birth of his second child last weekend.</p>
<h2>Offensive Struggles</h2>
<p>Despite striking out eight batters and allowing just four hits, one costly misstep occurred when Blaze Alexander hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning on a fastball that clocked in at only 93.4 mph. Snell’s night ended after allowing a hit that brought in a third run in the sixth inning.</p>
<p>The offense proved to be an even greater concern for the Dodgers (77-58). Arizona's starting pitcher <a target="_blank" class="link" href="https://www.mlb.com/player/zac-gallen-668678" target="_blank">Zac Gallen</a>, despite struggling in the current season, was dominant, yielding only two hits in six scoreless innings. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted their failure to create any rhythm throughout the game.</p>
<p>As for the Padres (75-60), they faced their own setback as star shortstop Xander Bogaerts was placed on the injured list with a foot fracture, which may keep him out for the remainder of the regular season.</p>
<p>With both teams failing to capitalize on seemingly easy matchups, they will need to handle their business better in the coming weeks, as no more direct confrontations between the Dodgers and Padres remain. Winning against weaker opponents will be crucial in determining who claims the division title.</p>
<h2>Returning Players</h2>
<p>Amid the loss, the Dodgers received some encouraging updates on the injury front, with both first baseman Freddie Freeman and outfielder Alex Call returning after missing a previous game. Freeman, recovering from a neck issue, drew a walk, while Call, who was dealing with back issues, came off the bench.</p>
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