Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres has become must-watch television over the years because of the quality of the product on the field. The ascetics of the games, elevated by the venues where they are played, have also contributed to their entertainment value.
Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Ryan O’Hearn has moved around the league quite a bit since 2022. The 32-year-old has played on four different teams in that time, but has had the benefit of calling some of MLB’s best stadiums home.
During an episode of “On Base” with Mookie Betts, O’Hearn picked Petco Park over PNC Park and Camden Yards as his favorite stadium.
Betts chimed in with his own appreciation for the Padres’ home ballpark:
“I actually really love playing at Petco. And I love PNC as well. Petco is just a beautiful stadium, bro.”
This is not the first time a Dodgers player has expressed their high regard for Petco Park. During the 2024 postseason run, multiple players praised the atmosphere created by a reinvigorated Padres fanbase.
Even manager Dave Roberts has many positive memories of managing against the Padres on the road.
His tenure has included several highs and lows against the Padres, but there’s one moment that resonates more than others.
“You know what, my first game that I managed was against these guys. So that was something I remember. Kenta Maeda hit a home run,” he said. “There’s been a lot of good memories, there really has. I love coming here. It’s a beautiful ballpark and the fanbase is great too.”
As for O’Hearn, his tenure with the Padres was brief, but Petco Park still managed to leave quite the impression on him. The nine-year veteran appeared in 50 regular season games for San Diego last season after being acquired in a trade deadline deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
The left-hander helped the Padres reach the postseason, batting .276/.350/.387 with 10 extra-base hits and 20 RBI in 183 at-bats.
Dodgers see Kyle Tucker return during series at Petco Park
The Dodgers played the final two games of the series against the Minnesota Twins without Kyle Tucker in the lineup due to lower back spasms. Roberts said Tucker was “feeling better” on Tuesday, but he was still unavailable for the remaining games in Minnesota.
Tucker was back in the lineup on Friday as the Dodgers began their series at Petco Park. However, the right fielder went 0-for-3 with a strikeout upon his return.
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