Dodgers Manager Admits Padres are LA's Rivals

May 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) relieves relief pitcher Tanner Scott (66) during the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the midst of a series with the San Diego Padres that has ramifications for the National League West divisional race.

The Padres are in the middle of a golden age, full of stars on the roster and young, high-potential players, and that has led to them becoming increasingly competitive with the mighty Dodgers.

The Dodgers, themselves, have been perennial division and World Series contenders, leading both teams to clash in the playoffs and regular season.

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With the current run of games against the Padres, there has been a massive debate about whether or not the Dodgers are in the middle of a rivalry with San Diego.

On the matter, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts chimed in with his own outlook on whether or not there is a rivalry between the two ball clubs.

“I think it’s become a rivalry because the stakes have been higher, which we’ve seen in the last few years,” Roberts said.

“I just have a hard time believing something could be a rivalry when there’s no stakes. And I think that with the talent that they’ve accrued, and the way they’ve played over the last few years, the stakes have gotten higher. And that’s a compliment to the organization, to those guys. And I can see that now.”

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The Dodgers were predicted to run away with the NL West this year, but injuries to the rotation have set the team back and forced patchwork pitching moves to be made.

Los Angeles has deployed several starting pitchers this season. The team's organizational depth has been tested, calling up several prospects to make spot starts.

Still, the Dodgers are ahead in the divisional race and look poised to capture another title and immediate entry into the MLB playoffs, yet again avoiding the Wild Card.

The Dodgers play the Padres on Tuesday and Wednesday before having a home stand against the San Fransisco Giants and then Padres again.

This will go down as one of the best ump cams of the season.

Manny Machado was not happy about that strike three call and let the umpire hear it in the Padres' loss to the Dodgers.pic.twitter.com/6YMVGIIoGt

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) June 10, 2025

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