Hall of Fame pitcher believes Padres can reach World Series but getting past Dodgers will be ‘tough task’

The Padres are surging.

Since the beginning of September, San Diego has a 14-4 record and has earned the title of the hottest team in baseball. The Padres have continued to win games with a stabilized rotation, scorching offense and solid bullpen.

But does the squad have what it takes to reach the World Series?

Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez believes the Padres have all the pieces to compete in the Fall Classic, but their toughest task of the playoffs will be taking down the back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers.

“Padres: Their bullpen can get it done if the starters give them five innings. This team has everything it needs to reach the World Series, but getting past the Dodgers will be a tough task,” Martinez wrote in a post on X.

Tuesday’s series opener will be a good test for the Padres as they take on the World Series favorites at Dodger Stadium. The three-game series is poised to be a playoff preview based on Martinez’s remarks.

The Padres are fighting for the top National League wild-card spot. The Dodgers are looking to secure a first-round bye, which makes the series a crucial matchup before the regular season concludes.

The Padres haven’t faced the Dodgers since early July, making the rivalry all the more intense with October just around the corner.

There’s a chance the two NL West squads could face each other in the NL Division Series or Championship Series.

The Dodgers have the experience and talent, but San Diego has the moxie.