Dodgers sweep Padres to reclaim the NL West lead as Mookie Betts delivers a go-ahead solo shot in Sunday’s finale after San Diego had rallied to tie the game. Freddie Freeman and Andy Pages provided early offense, and the weekend stretch culminated in LA’s 5-4 win, its first three-game sweep of SD since July. The Padres had surged with a five-game win streak and briefly grabbed a division edge, while the Giants loomed in the rearview. The upcoming three-game set at Petco Park could again flip the balance, but for now the Dodgers hold a two-game cushion atop the NL West.

Betts’ big moment capped a weekend where the Dodgers showed depth and resilience in a tight division race. Freeman’s early three-run blast and Pages’ first-inning shot highlighted LA’s upside beyond Betts, even as Betts himself battles a career-worst .241 average. SD’s rallyability remains palpable, but the sweep locks in momentum for the Dodgers as they eye a potentially pivotal stretch with a cross-country rematch looming at Petco Park.

Dodgers host San Diego in a pivotal NL West showdown, looking to complete a weekend sweep at home. Glasnow is pegged as the favorite, riding current form and a career-worst matchup history for the Padres, while Darvish has found his form after an slow start. The betting docket favors an under, with Glasnow boosting strikeout potential and Pages carrying a favorable hit prop, even as LA leans on its left-handed bats. Darvish’s recent stretch is a bright spot for SD, but the road test in LA remains stiff.

Key bets orbit the run total and two prop bets: Under 9.5 runs, Glasnow over 5.5 Ks, and Pages over 0.5 hits. The narrative leans on Darvish’s late-season surge reuniting with a Dodgers lineup that has leaned on a heavy dose of left-handed hitters, a dynamic Ohtani has touched in the past but hasn’t dominated in this series. Pages’ lefty-friendly splits add a wrinkle to the Dodgers’ lineup, while Glasnow’s Padres history provides a strong upside despite SD’s low strikeout profile.

Ohtani’s track record against Darvish isn’t friendly—1-for-11 with five strikeouts in their encounters—creating a curious contrast in this matchup as LA tries to press the Padres’ weaknesses. Darvish’s late run could stall Dodgers’ momentum, but Glasnow’s current form hints at a K-rich performance. Pages, enduring a rough series, has shown enough earlier in the season to warrant a look for a base hit, especially when facing SD’s right-handers.

The backstop for fantasy players is to balance Glasnow’s upside with Darvish’s resurgence, while Pages provides a value seed in the hit department. The Dodgers’ offense still leans into cautious stacks given SD’s improved late-inning bullpen and Glasnow’s strikeout ceiling. In short, a controlled, edge-driven bet on Under 9.5 and targeted player props forms the core strategy for this weekend’s Padres-Dodgers clash.

As the MLB season progresses, fantasy players should keep a close eye on lineup strategies for the upcoming games. Quinn Priester of the Milwaukee Brewers, priced at $9,900, has shown consistent performance with a 3.27 ERA over 107.1 innings, making him a strong DFS option. Similarly, Yusei Kikuchi at $9,000 has excelled at home for the Los Angeles Angels, boasting a 2.48 ERA. Sean Manaea of the New York Mets also stands out with a 2.08 ERA and 11.42 K/9 rate.

When considering offense, Ketel Marte ($3,800) has an impressive OPS over 1.000 against right-handed pitchers, making him a prime target. Trevor Story ($3,300) is also on a hot streak with 18 homers and an OPS of .839 in his last three weeks. For budget options, Andy Pages ($3,000) and Jake Cronenworth ($2,900) provide solid value against struggling pitchers.

For team stacks, the Blue Jays against Tanner Gordon of the Rockies and the Reds versus Michael Soroka of the Cubs are compelling choices. Notable players from these matchups include Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Elly De La Cruz, who can capitalize on favorable pitching matchups.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with their offense as the trade deadline approaches. Following a challenging start to July, their recent performances show a glimmer of hope. In a recent 5-2 victory against the Boston Red Sox, missing star Mookie Betts, the Dodgers managed to score five or more runs for the seventh time in ten games. Veteran outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who struggled earlier this season, recorded his first three-hit game since April and contributed a two-run home run in the win.

Young slugger Andy Pages also showed signs of life, hitting a sacrifice fly and a double in an engaging performance. Will Smith continues to lead the National League in batting average, while Freddie Freeman is finding his rhythm with consecutive multihit games. However, other hitters like Michael Conforto and Hyeseong Kim have failed to find their form, raising questions about the team’s lineup as the trade deadline approaches.

The Los Angeles Dodgers showed signs of resurgence in their recent game against the Boston Red Sox, winning 5-2 despite missing star shortstop Mookie Betts. After struggling early in July, the Dodgers' bats have come alive, averaging five runs in their last ten games. Veteran Teoscar Hernández, who has struggled significantly this season, contributed positively with a two-run homer and a walk. Similarly, Andy Pages also displayed improvement, helping set up runs and contributing to the offense.

Will Smith continues to shine with a .325 batting average, while Freddie Freeman has recorded back-to-back multihit games. However, key players like Michael Conforto and Hyeseong Kim encountered difficulties. Pitcher Emmet Sheehan delivered a solid five-inning start, supported by a bullpen that finally showed signs of consistency, highlighting a potential turning point for the Dodgers as the trade deadline approaches.