The Padres entered their weekend series at Dodger Stadium in unfamiliar territory at this juncture of a season -- in first place. They had overturned a nine-game deficit and rode a five-game winning streak into Los Angeles.

Magic Johnson is a big part of the Los Angeles professional teams. With the bullpen going down a rough patch, he has highlighted someone that has been a bright spot.

Another notable transaction took place on Sunday as well. The Padres released right-handed pitcher Luis Patino, who used to be a top pitching prospect in the organization. Patino signed a minor league deal back in January and had only seen time this season in the minors.

Right-hander Michael King is going back on the injured list after just one start, a blow to the Padres rotation ahead of perhaps San Diego’s biggest series of the season. King, who was scheduled to start Friday’s series opener against the Dodgers in Los Angeles,

Mookie Betts hits a tiebreaking solo homer in the eighth inning, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 5-4 on Sunday.

Preview the Aug. 18 matchup between the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants with recent trends, how to watch, livestream info, and more.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are beating the San Diego Padres when it counts, and it's especially sweet for an ex-Padres star.

It's a sigh of relief for the Padres, as at the very least, Merrill didn't suffer an injury that will keep him out for long. While the series sweep to the Dodgers stings, the Padres avoided disaster with Merrill's injury scare.