The Los Angeles Dodgers host the San Diego Padres on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium for a 10:10 PM ET first pitch. Tyler Glasnow gets the ball for Los Angeles against Nick Pivetta in what figures to be one of the final regular-season matchups between these two NL West rivals. With the calendar winding down toward the final week of the regular season, every game in this division series carries real weight. Catch the action on SportsNet LA, MLB Network, or Dodgers Radio AM570.
Pitching Matchup: Glasnow vs. Pivetta
Tyler Glasnow anchors the Dodgers' rotation in this one. The right-hander has been one of the more imposing starters in Los Angeles' arsenal, bringing mid-to-upper-90s heat and a devastating curveball that gives opposing lineups genuine problems. When Glasnow is commanding both pitches, he's difficult to score against. The Dodgers need him sharp here — a quality start sets the tone going into the final stretch of the regular season.
Nick Pivetta gets the call for San Diego. The veteran right-hander has the stuff to compete in any ballpark, capable of missing bats and working deep into games. Pivetta won't be intimidated by the Chavez Ravine crowd, and the Padres will lean on him to keep Los Angeles' lineup in check through the middle innings.
Keys to Watch for the Dodgers
- Glasnow's command: When Glasnow locates his fastball up in the zone and drops the curveball for strikes, he's nearly unhittable. Watch whether he establishes that combination early against a Padres lineup that can make you pay for mistakes.
- Capitalizing against Pivetta: Pivetta has the ability to cruise through lineups when he's in rhythm. The Dodgers' offense needs to stay disciplined, work counts, and look for pitches to drive before he settles in.
- Bullpen management: Late September means rosters are deep and arms are available. How the Dodgers manage the backend of the game — particularly if Glasnow exits before the seventh — could decide the outcome.
- NL West positioning: A rivalry game this late in the year between Los Angeles and San Diego is never just about the box score. These late-season head-to-head results matter for seeding and momentum heading into October.
Prediction
Glasnow at home, in September, with something at stake — that's a combination that favors the Dodgers. San Diego is no pushover and Pivetta gives them a legitimate shot, but UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium figures to be loud on Thursday night and Los Angeles has the pitching edge at the top of this matchup. Expect a competitive, low-scoring game. Dodgers win, 4–2.
