The Los Angeles Dodgers are set for a rubber match against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night, and Los Angeles may have the upper edge in the final game of the highly anticipated series with Shohei Ohtani on the mound.
Per ESPN Insights, “Shohei Ohtani is on the mound tonight versus the Padres, and he enters the game with his best start to a season. Ohtani has a 0.82 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and .475 Opp. OPS through his team’s first 50 games, which are career bests.”
Before the Padres series finale, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Shohei Ohtani will both pitch and hit in Wednesday’s game. Ohtani had taken about a month off from hitting on his start days.
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Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani to Pitch and Hit on Wednesday
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 14: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts in the dugout during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on May 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
After a thrilling 5-4 victory on Tuesday night against the Padres, Shohei Ohtani will take the mound against the Dodgers biggest current rivals.
Dodgers Right Now…
GettyANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MAY 17: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 17, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
After their victory to even the series on Tuesday, the Dodgers improved to 30-19, and sit just 0.5 games ahead of the Padres for the NL West lead.
The Padres will have a chance to regain the division lead in the series finale, and Los Angeles has the chance to extend their slim lead.
The Dodgers are 6-4 in their last 10 games, and are 15-9 on the road. The Dodgers-Padres series is being played at Petco Park, where the Dodgers have been able to hold their own over the past few seasons.
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