3 San Diego Padres players who need to step up against Los Angeles Dodgers

Padres pitcher Blake Snell needs to step up against the Dodgers

Unlike Soto and Machado, Blake Snell has done his job each time he's faced off against the Dodgers this year. He allowed two runs in six innings both times, but the Padres scored just three runs total in these games and lost both.

Snell needs to step up following last night's loss and lead the Padres to a win. He's pitched at a Cy Young-caliber level in his last 13 starts, thanks to his 0.73 ERA, and San Diego desperately needs more of that following last night's bullpen meltdown.

Any length Snell provides means less bullpen for the Dodgers to see. It's also important to keep in mind the fact that Rich Hill and Seth Lugo are the other starters for this series. Not to say that they're incapable, but Snell is the pitcher you expect to lead you to wins against teams like the Dodgers more than those two.

Simply put, the Padres need their ace and one of the best pitchers in the National League this season to be exactly that. You can win a game thanks to six or seven scoreless from your starter. He's been doing that for over two months, and now it's time to see it in a big game.