The San Diego Padres didn’t just lose a series to the Los Angeles Dodgers; they were handed a clear reminder of what’s missing.
While San Diego hung tough with their rivals across three games at Petco Park, coming up short in two of them highlighted a growing issue: this team needs more offense. After Wednesday’s 5-2 loss in the rubber match, it’s obvious that if the Padres want to keep pace in the NL West, they’ll need to upgrade their lineup, and soon.
Lack of Trust Coming From Both Coach and Players
As they have done for most of the last ten years, the Dodgers managed to pull through during crucial times. In contrast, the Padres had trouble getting that one huge hit in the closing innings. On the surface, San Diego‘s 20 runs over the series appear to be acceptable.
Yet, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that they missed a number of crucial opportunities that would have impacted the game.
Manny Machado bailed the Dodgers out by swinging 3-0 with the bases loaded and two outs.
But major credit to Anthony Banda for getting out of the bases loaded, one-out jam.
And to Mookie Betts for making a tough defensive play at shortstop look easy.
Dodgers lead Padres, 4-2. pic.twitter.com/8GjXiZnkGY
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) June 11, 2025
The lack of punch off the bench is one of the problems. This week, manager Mike Shildt used Elias Díaz, Brandon Lockridge, and Tyler Wade as pinch hitters in close games. Despite their respective merits, neither of them created much against opposition pitchers during high-pressure situations.
A more dependable, game-changing bat to use late in games is obviously needed. Then there’s the situation with Luis Campusano. Once expected to take a bigger role, he’s been almost invisible in the lineup. When Wade, a lefty, was sent to face a lefty reliever instead of turning to Campusano, it said a lot about where things currently stand.
Star Athletes Slump, Padres In Need of Clutch Genes
Even star athletes like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado haven’t always carried the offense when it matters most. Additionally, clubs such as the Dodgers have benefited greatly from the lineup’s tendency to include several left-handed bats in the middle, including Jackson Merrill, Gavin Sheets, and Jake Cronenworth.
That’s why the upcoming trade deadline is shaping up to be a make-or-break moment. The Padres don’t need a complete overhaul. But they do need a reliable bat, preferably someone with clutch genes all over them. With the deadline still weeks away, there’s time to act, and there are options out there.
The Padres head to L.A. next week for a rematch against the Dodgers. If this series showed anything, it’s that they’re close, but still a piece or two away from beating the teams they need to beat.