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MLB Rumors: Willson Contreras return to Wrigley, Mets move, Dodgers-Padres

By Mark Powell

Willson Contreras #40 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on walking off the field at the end of the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on April 26, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Willson Contreras #40 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on walking off the field at the end of the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on April 26, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 07: James Outman #33 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after hitting a two-run homerun during the tenth inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on May 07, 2023 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 07: James Outman #33 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after hitting a two-run homerun during the tenth inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on May 07, 2023 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

MLB Rumors: What did we learn from Dodgers-Padres rivalry?

No, Dodgers vs. Padres isn’t Red Sox-Yankees just yet, but that didn’t stop the ESPN broadcast from asking Mookie Betts live. His reaction was predictable — as much as these two teams don’t like each other, there’s decades of hatred to make up for on the east coast.

Still, the Dodgers and Padres are expected to compete for an NL West crown all season long. San Diego signed Xander Bogaerts this offseason, adding to their already-stacked lineup. Fernando Tatis Jr. is back, and Manny Machado inked his extension. There are very few holes on this current Padres roster.

Still, the Dodgers are the Dodgers. Even with a band of misfits, including James Outman, who hit the game-winning home run last night, Los Angeles has the upper hand in this rivalry until proven otherwise. The Friars defeated LA in the postseason last year, yes, but the Dodgers have won nine out of the last ten division crowns. The West runs through them until further notice.

By taking two out of three games in San Diego, LA sent an early-season message. Yes, they lost Trea Turner and more this offseason, but the Dodgers aren’t to be taken lightly, even if it takes awhile for fans to familiarize themselves with some of the names on the back of these Dodgers blue uniforms.

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