Thursday night’s Dodgers lineup against the Padres looks like a product of planned rest for some as well as time running out in the club’s pursuit of home field advantage in the NLDS against the Nationals.
With Washington winning earlier on Thursday, the Nationals hold a 2½-game lead over the Dodgers and a magic number of two to clinch home field in the NLDS. For the series to start in Los Angeles, the Dodgers need six of the seven remaining games to fall their way.
Corey Seager got a planned day off on Thursday after starting the last 22 games, with Charlie Culberson getting the start at shortstop against Padres left-hander Christian Friedrich.