The Padres are turning to their most reliable (or durable) pitcher and asking him to help even this NL Division Series against the Dodgers.
Zach Davies was named Wednesday morning to start Game 2, which starts at 6:08 p.m. PDT (FS1). The Padres trail the series after a 5-1 defeat Tuesday in Game 1.
The 27-year-old right-hander led the Padres with seven victories and 69 1/3 innings in 2020. He also lasted the longest across his two regular season starts against the Dodgers (13 IP), although Davies lost both.
He received no run support while scattering two runs, four hits and two walks across seven innings in a 6-0 loss at Dodger Stadium in mid-August. The next month, he allowed three runs in six innings in a 4-2 defeat at Petco Park.
Yes, that’s two quality starts, which is really what the Padres need more than anything right now.
To date, their starting pitchers have accounted for seven innings through four postseason games while allowing 10 of the 21 runs scored against the staff.
That’s a 12.86 ERA.
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Wives, girlfriends, and family of the San Diego Padres hold up giant heads as the team plays the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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The roof is open before the San Diego Padres played the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Fernando Tatis Jr of the San Diego Padres is tagged out by Chris Taylor of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Jason Castro of the San Diego Padres tries to tag out AJ Pollock of the Los Angeles Dodgers on a 2-RBI double by Joc Pederson during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Jason Castro of the San Diego Padres tries to tag out AJ Pollock of the Los Angeles Dodgers on a 2-RBI double by Joc Pederson during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Jason Castro of the San Diego Padres tries to tag out AJ Pollock of the Los Angeles Dodgers on a 2-RBI double by Joc Pederson during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres tries to throw out Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 3rd inning during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres slides in for a double in the 7th inning as Chris Taylor of the Los Angeles Dodgers defends during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Eric Hosmer of the San Diego Padres slides into third base on a Tommy Pham hit against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2nd inning during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres tags out Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2nd inning during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after scoring on an RBI single by Will Smith in the 4th inning against the San Diego Padres during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Jake Cronenworth of the San Diego Padres tries to make a double play in the 5th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Eric Hosmer of the San Diego Padres scores on a walk by Jake Cronenworth in the 2nd inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres can’t make the tag on Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers on an RBI single by Will Smith in the 4th inning during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Trent Grisham of the San Diego Padres beats out a throw for an RBI single as Max Muncy of the Los Angeles Dodgers catches the ball in the 2nd inning during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Adrian Morejon of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Coach Skip Schumaker and manager Jayce Tingler of the San Diego Padres look on after getting swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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The San Diego Padres look on after getting swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Wil Myers of the San Diego Padres looks on after the team got swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres hits a solo home run in the 6th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 2 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres hits a solo home run in the 6th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres celebrates a solo home run in the 6th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Eric Hosmer of the San Diego Padres hits a solo home run in the 6th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Eric Hosmer of the San Diego Padres can’t come up with a throw as Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers is safe at at first base in the 3rd inning during Game 3 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Eric Hosmer of the San Diego Padres hits a solo home run in the 6th inning off of Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 2 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Eric Hosmer of the San Diego Padres celebrates a solo home run in the 6th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 2 of the NLDS. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Eric Hosmer of the San Diego Padres, right, celebrates a solo home run with Fernando Tatis Jr. in the 6th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 2 of the NLDS. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres reacts after Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers robbed him of a home run in the 7th inning. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers, right and Chris Taylor celebrate after Bellinger robbed Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres of a home run in the 7th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Wil Myers of the San Diego Padres fields an RBI double by Corey Seager Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 2 of the NLDS. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Trent Grisham of the San Diego Padres watches a home run by Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 2 of the NLDS. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Wil Myers of the San Diego Padres hits an RBI double in the 2nd inning against the Los Angles Dodgers during Game 2 of the NLDS. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego sits on second base during a break in the action in the 9th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 2 of the NLDS. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres tries to turn a double play as Mookie Betts of the Los Angles Dodgers slides into second base in Game 2 of the NLDS. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with coach Dino Ebel after hitting a home run off Zach Davies of the San Diego Padres in the 4th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Justin Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers fields a hit by Jake Cronenworth of the San Diego Padres in the 4th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the San Diego Padres during Game 2 of the NLDS. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Eric Hosmer of the San Diego walks off the field after grounding out with the bases loaded in the 9th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 2 of the NLDS. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers stand for the national anthem before Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Mike Clevinger of the San Diego Padres is pulled from the game by manager Jayce Tingler in the 2nd inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Wil Myers of the San Diego Padres steals second bases as Chris Taylor of the Los Angeles Dodgers defends during Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Austin Nola of the San Diego Padres hits an RBI single in the 4th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Wil Myers of the San Diego Padres celebrates with Fernando Tatis Jr. after scoring in the 4th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers defends during Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Wil Myers of the San Diego Padres catches a fly ball by Will Smith of the Los Angles Dodgers in the 2nd inning during Game 2 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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The ball gets by Eric Hosmer of the San Diego Padres as Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers is safe at first base during Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Garrett Richards of the San Diego Padres is pulled in the 5th inning by manages Jayce Tingler against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Austin Adams of the San Diego Padres walks off the field in the 4th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Ryan Weathers of the San Diego Padres pitches in the 3rd inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Jake Cronenworth of the San Diego Padres dives to stop an RBI single by Cody Bellinger of the Los Angles Dodgers in the 6th inning of Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Mookie Betts of the Los Angles Dodgers hits a double in the 5th inning agaisnt the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Austin Nola of the San Diego Padres looks at a past ball as Max Muncy of the Los Angles Dodgers scores in the 6th inning of Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chris Taylor of the Los Angles Dodgers scores in the 6th inning as Austin Nola of the San Diego Padres tries to make a play in Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chris Taylor of the Los Angles Dodgers scores in the 6th inning as Austin Nola of the San Diego Padres tries to make a play in Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres strikes out in the 8th inning against the Los Angles Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Max Muncy, Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen of the Los Angles Dodgers celebrate a 5-1 win over the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the NLDS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Davies, of course, accounted for four runs in two innings in his first playoff start against a Cardinals team that had battered him to the tune of a .290/.329/.460 batting line during his previous life as an NL Central rival.
The Dodgers, on the other hand, have only faced Davies twice a year in four of the last eight seasons and had been held to one run in 25 innings between 2017 and 2019 before this year’s meetings.
Here’s a look at how they’ve fared against Davies in 2020 (their only extra-base hit is from Edwin Rios, who is not on the Dodgers’ NLDS roster):
With Dinelson Lamet (biceps) out for the Division Series, that leaves Chris Paddack as the likeliest option for Game 3.
Paddack has a 6.94 ERA in five career starts against L.A., including 9.00 this year.
As for Davies’ offense, the Padres are again reverting to the variation that they throw at left-handed pitchers: Shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. is leading off and center fielder Trent Grisham – whose game-tying home run off Clayton Kershaw triggered a come-from-behind victory last month at Petco Park – will bat ninth.
Tommy Pham is also again the designated hitter, leaving left field to Jurickson Profar.
