Dodgers Stun MLB with Blockbuster Deadline Deal—How the Surprise Move Supercharges L.A.’s 2025 World Series Quest

Lead-in The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their long-awaited first 2025 showdown with the San Diego Padres by stealing an 8-7 extra-innings thriller at Petco Park, reclaiming sole possession of first place in the NL West and reminding the division that the reigning World Series champions are heating up at the perfect time. Rivalry Rekindled • Monday’s victory marked the clubs’ first meeting since last October’s NLDS, when L.A. eliminated San Diego after holding the Padres scoreless for 24 straight innings. • Rookie outfielder Andy Pages ripped a go-ahead RBI single in the 10th, and versatile infielder Tommy Edman followed with another run-scoring knock before closer Tanner Scott shut the door on his former team. • The win kicked off a daunting 10-game stretch against the Padres and Giants—both chasing the Dodgers by a single game entering the series. Clayton Kershaw Looks Vintage Again Before the trip south, future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw delivered his first victory of the season, scattering six hits and fanning seven in St. Louis as the Dodgers beat the Cardinals 7-3 to halt a mini-slide. • Kershaw is now just 17 strikeouts away from the 3,000-K milestone. • Manager Dave Roberts praised the left-hander as “a stopper for many years,” underscoring how critical a healthy Kershaw is to a rotation decimated by injuries. Injury Report & Roster Juggling • Tony Gonsolin returned to the injured list over the weekend with lingering elbow discomfort, pushing the count to 14 Dodgers pitchers currently sidelined. • Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who took a pitch off his foot Sunday, is expected to avoid a stint on the IL and should remain in the batting order, though the club pushed back his next mound appearance. • The front office called up swingman Michael Kopech to reinforce a bullpen that has thrown 15⅔ innings over the last three games alone. Offense Finding Its Groove After stranding 21 runners in the first two games at Busch Stadium, the Dodgers’ bats erupted for 15 runs across back-to-back wins. Key contributors: • Mookie Betts — snapped a power drought with his ninth homer of the year. • Will Smith — three extra-base hits in his last two starts. • Hyeseong Kim — two triples, five RBIs on the road trip. What’s Next The four-game set in San Diego continues Tuesday, with rookie right-hander River Ryan expected to make his first big-league start opposite Padres ace Joe Musgrove. L.A. then heads north for a crucial weekend series at Oracle Park before returning to Dodger Stadium for a homestand loaded with promotional nights—and, the club hopes, a healthier pitching staff. SEO Takeaway With Kershaw rounding into form, Pages bursting onto the scene, and a showdown-rich schedule on deck, the Dodgers are poised to dominate both the NL West race and the headlines as summer heats up in Los Angeles.