The Padres-D-backs rivalry, while not as historically heated as some other divisional matchups, has developed into a compelling National League West contest. Both teams frequently find themselves vying for playoff contention, leading to intense series with significant divisional implications. The D-backs' early 2000s success and the Padres' more recent resurgence have fueled the rivalry, marked by exciting games, notable player matchups, and a growing sense of competition between the two desert-adjacent franchises.
![Hot Rackets [1979]](https://static-ca-cdn.eporner.com/thumbs/static4/1/13/136/13694803/12_240.jpg)