Dodgers 78-62 (.557) – – –
Padres 76-64 (.543) 2 GB
A sliver of consolation for the Dodgers after losing three games is that another three games are off the schedule, and they still hold a two-game lead in the division. Once again, this is way too early to even think about magic numbers, but any combination of Dodgers wins and Padres losses that add up to 20 would give Los Angeles another NL West title.
Where the Dodgers’ losses cost them are relative to the other top teams in the league. The Phillies own a three-game lead over Los Angeles for the No. 2 seed and a bye directly into the Division Series. These two teams play at Dodger Stadium from September 15-17 which will likely go a long way in helping to sort things out.
The Giants have won 10 out of their last 11 to move at least into the periphery of contention, now just four games out of a wild card spot.
If things play out with teams in their current positions, the Dodgers as the No. 3 seed would host the best-of-3 wild card series at Dodger Stadium against the No. 6 Mets starting Tuesday, September 30. But the Padres are only a game ahead of the Mets so it’s possible a fourth Los Angeles vs. San Diego postseason matchup in six years could happen in the wild card round.
Up next this weekend: Dodgers at Orioles, Padres at Rockies, Brewers at Pirates, Phillies at Marlins, Cubs vs. Nationals, Mets at Reds, Giants at Cardinals