Dodgers get stern warning, NL West rival Padres force to be reckoned with

The Padres are entering Tuesday’s series opener against the Dodgers as the hottest team in baseball.San Diego has won 13 of its last 14 games with the team chasing the top Wild Card spot.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers are hoping to secure a first-round bye in the playoffs and are only two games behind the Brewers for the best record in the National League.It’s an important series for both teams, but the Padres are surging and analysts have sent warnings to opponents about the squad.“They’re not going away.

They are a force to be reckoned with,” MLB insider Ken Rosenthal said.The NL West rivals haven’t squared off since early July and so much has transpired since.

The Padres struggled mightily before the trade deadline, but president of baseball operations A.J.Preller chose not to sell this summer.Instead, Preller stabilized the rotation with additions like Robbie Ray and Casey Mize.

The front office also took a chance on Samad Taylor and Dustin Harris, both of whom have been outstanding for the Padres.Since Sept 1., the Padres have the best record in MLB at 14-4.“I think the Padres are the most dangerous team in baseball right now… Their stars are starring,” MLB analyst and former big leaguer Mark DeRosa said.If the Padres manage to win the Dodgers series or sweep the back-to-back World Series champions, there’s a good chance San Diego claims the top Wild Card spot and gets a home series at Petco Park to kick off the playoffs.If the Padres stay hot and get to play the first round of the playoffs at home, any opponent should be worried....