Los Angeles Dodgers host division rivals San Diego Padres
The 2024 Major League Baseball season is in full swing as the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers host the new-look San Diego Padres Sunday, April 14, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. As both teams get set to wrap up their first regular season series matchup, all the action broadcasts live on TSN.
In what has already been a thrilling start to the season, the Dodgers are hoping to continue their dominance going into this year after coming off their fourth consecutive 100-win full season, becoming the first MLB team in history to accomplish the feat.
Playing for a team that already has the post-season in mind, Los Angeles superstar Mookie Betts is coming off one of the best seasons of his career in 2023, hitting a career-high 39 home runs. He led the league in leadoff homers with 12 and finished second in voting for the National League Most Valuable Player, while missing only 10 games and earning his seventh MLB all-star selection.
Meanwhile, the Padres are hoping to build up some momentum after last season, which saw the team miss the playoffs and part ways with superstar outfielder Juan Soto and Cy Young winner Blake Snell on the heels of an underwhelming year.
With the Dodgers boasting a highly talented team — featuring three former league MVPs — it leaves no doubt that, on paper, they are the favourites to win it all, but not if their National League West rivals can spoil the party.
FACTS
Full name: Marcus Lynn “Mookie” Betts
Birthdate: Oct. 7, 1992 (31) Birthplace: Nashville, Tenn. Height/weight: 5-9/180 pounds
Team(s): Los Angeles Dodgers (2020-present), Boston
Red Sox (2014-2019)
Position(s): Right fielder/ Second baseman/Shortstop
Honours and achievements: 2x World Series Champion (2018, 2020), AL MVP (2018), 7x All-Star (2016-2023), 6x Golden Glove Award (20162020), 6x Silver Slugger Award (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023), 3x All-MLB First Team (2020, 2022, 2023)