ESPN announced they have picked up two games from the upcoming series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres to air nationally on Monday and Wednesday.
Both games, which are being played at Petco Park, begin at 7:10 p.m. and follow the College World Series. The games will also be available on the ESPN App and not subject to local blackout restrictions, which for the Dodgers amounts to both contests additionally airing on SportsNet LA.
Monday’s game was called by Jason Benetti, Jessica Mendoza and Tim Kurkjian. Wednesday’s broadcast will have Dave Flemming and Mendoza in the ESPN booth.
The games feature two of the top three teams in the National League, as the Dodgers are second while the Padres are third. The series is also primed to feature multiple star players, including Mookie Betts and Manny Machado.
Despite consecutive losses to San Diego, the Dodgers are second in the NL West with a 43-29 record. The Padres remain in third in the division with a 43-32 record and have won six games in a row.
This is the third series of the season between the two clubs and first since April 25. The Dodgers went 3-4 in their previous meetings.
Manager Dave Roberts believes the contentious NL West series being carried nationally is a positive for the sport. “Baseball viewership, I think, is continuing to grow,” he said. “I’ve said it many times before that there’s more talent top to bottom in this game than there ever has been.
“With the National League West, Padres-Dodgers, this rivalry that’s been brewing in recency is becoming real and it’s a lot of fun to be a part of. For Southern California it’s great, for the West Coast and all of baseball.
“I think people on the East Coast are really excited about this series and to see baseball in Southern California. So to watch Machado, Tatis, Snell, Darvish, and our guys, a lot of talent on the field.”
Dodgers stars returning soon
Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy were all on the 10-day injured list but the Dodgers are getting closer to full health.
Bellinger is currently on track to be activated for the series finale, and Muncy returned to the lineup on Tuesday.
Seager will not be ready in time to face San Diego, but he is nearing a rehab assignment.
Getting three of their top four hitters back in the lineup would be a big boost, especially against left-handed pitching, which has been giving them trouble this season.
