No one has it easy when it comes to scheduling in the playoffs. Every team there has the makings to whoop ass and that’s what they’re going to try to do. Regardless if it’s the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Cleveland Guardians, that team is trying to send their opponents home packing in search of that illustrious World Series ring.

With all that said, the San Diego Padres have made huge strides in the past few years till as recent as this past August, when they acquired the MVP caliber outfielder Juan Soto. While Soto’s services did not come cheap, it’s all in effort to walk home as champions.

Soto has struggled a bit initially since joining the Padres, as the outfielder possesses a .236/.388/.390/.778 slash line in 52 games. However, he has turned it around in the past two weeks as he’s been hitting .309/.424/.545 in last 55 at-bats.

Another big name that found his way on the Padres is closer Josh Hader. Hader, much like Soto, struggled quite a bit when first joining the friars however has been better as of recently.

The left-hander hasn’t given up a run in his last 6.1 innings pitched. While this isn’t a long stretch, you’re definitely going to want your closer finding rhythm before your playoff run… perfect timing for Hader and the Padres.

This is a star-studded squad. Even with the self-inflicted loss of Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres are just as dangerous as the Yankees in the late 90’s.

And while Max Scherzer is one of the best pitchers in the league, Friday night’s contest won’t be an easy task for the veteran ace.