Dustin May makes his 2025 debut for the Dodgers vs. the Padres on June 9. Can 'Code Red' lead LA to victory after Clayton Kershaw's first win? Preview.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the Dodgers' rotation couldn't get more formidable, 'Code Red' is officially back. All eyes will be on Petco Park tonight as Dustin May makes his long-awaited 2025 season debut, taking the mound against the rival San Diego Padres. The timing couldn't be better, as the first-place Dodgers ride the momentum from yesterday's victory, a game that saw a franchise legend, Clayton Kershaw, finally notch his first win of the year.
The Dodgers enter tonight's game with a 16-16 road record, a stark contrast to their overall 39-27 mark.
It's the moment fans have been waiting for. The 6'6" right-hander, Dustin May, is back in the starting rotation. After battling through injuries, his return adds another power arm to a staff already featuring international superstars Roki Sasaki and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. May's electric stuff has been sorely missed, and his presence could be the key to transforming this rotation from great to truly untouchable. Tonight's start against a potent Padres lineup will be his first major test, but a healthy May fundamentally changes the ceiling for this team as they push towards October.
The good vibes are already flowing after yesterday's solid 7-3 win over the Cardinals. The biggest storyline was Clayton Kershaw, who delivered five sharp innings to secure his first victory of the 2025 season. It was a vintage Kersh performance, capped by a classic strikeout of Willson Contreras to escape a first-inning jam. Of course, the offense did its part, with Shohei Ohtani continuing his torrid season. Ohtani ripped a double to deep center and later took one for the team, getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in a run. It was a complete team win that has the Dodgers feeling confident heading into this divisional clash.
If there's one blemish on an otherwise strong season, it's the Dodgers' performance away from Chavez Ravine. Their perfectly average 16-16 road record is a concern for a team with championship aspirations. Tonight begins a crucial test. Petco Park is never an easy place to play, and the Padres are always fired up for this matchup. With a 90.9% chance of making the postseason, the goal is no longer just getting there—it's about securing the division and home-field advantage. This series in San Diego is a prime opportunity for the Dodgers to prove they can be just as dominant on the road as they are at home.
With May back on the bump, Kershaw in the win column, and Ohtani doing Ohtani things, the Dodgers have all the pieces in place. Now, they just have to execute on the road. Tonight's 6:40 PM first pitch against the Padres isn't just another game; it's a statement opportunity. Can 'Code Red' dominate in his return and can the Dodgers solve their road riddle? It's going to be a must-watch series.
