Dodgers’ Magic Number Shrinks Following Padres’ Blowout Loss to Mets

Sep 16, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King (34) reacts during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one game closer to winning the National League West after the San Diego Padres lost to the New York Mets on Tuesday, 8-3.

With the Padres' loss, the magic number for the Dodgers dropped to nine for the National League West crown.

Depending on the results of the Dodgers' game against the Philadelphia Phillies, the magic number could drop once again, down to eight.

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Padres starter Michael King got rocked early on, giving up seven runs in the first two innings. He left the team with a massive hole to climb, and the offense failed to bail them out.

Instead, the team lost the first game of their series against the Mets, with two more games to go before heading to Chicago for a three-game series against the White Sox.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, failed to win on Monday against the Phillies, missing an opportunity to inch closer to the division title.

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The divisional race is important because it cou,d allow the Dodgers to avoid the ever-dangerous Wild Card round if they can surpass the Phillies for the No. 2 seed.

With an older team like the Dodgers, this break would be invaluable, allowing anyone with lingering minor injuries to get healthier before the grind of October begins.

If the Dodgers fail to pass the Phillies or Milwaukee Brewers, the No. 3 seed would still prove important, as LA would have home field advantage in the Wild Card best-of-three series.

If the Dodgers don't win the division, they'd be on the road for that series.

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