Dodgers and Padres kick off a high-stakes 3-game series with just one game separating them in the NL-West standings.

This is the team that executed this play in the World Series just this last fall and got a parade at the end of it. But still, the early pulling of the reigning World Series MVP cemented a drubbing, with a 7-4 loss pushing the Dodgers into an uncomfortable position.

Notoriously bad MLB umpire C.B. Bucknor worked behind home plate in the series finale and it didn't take long for the Dodgers announcers to roast him. Shohei Ohtani led off the game for Los Angeles and was quickly the victim of two bad calls by the veteran umpire.

It’s Friday, August 15 and the Padres (69-52) are in Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers (68-53). Clayton Kershaw will take the mound for Los Angeles, while San Diego will announce its starter closer to first pitch as they put Michael King on the IL.

Shohei Ohtani had an adventurous few innings in the Los Angeles Dodgers' extra-inning loss to the Angels in Anaheim on Tuesday night.

The most expensive roster in MLB history has been an oft-injured, underperforming husk of itself. Panic feels premature, but concern feels warranted.