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Padres fans have every reason to believe this National League Wild Card Series is far from over. San Diego carries a 1-0 lead into Game 2 against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, but history suggests the matchup could still become a dramatic three-game battle.
The Padres and Cubs have met twice previously in the postseason, and both series went the distance. San Diego will try to finish the job at home, while Chicago faces a must-win situation after falling in the opener. According to MLB.com, teams that win Game 1 of a best-of-three Wild Card Series have advanced 21 times in 24 opportunities.
Padres Turn to Nick Pivetta in Critical Game 2
San Diego will hand the ball to right-hander Nick Pivetta, who enters the contest with a 3-2 record and a 2.86 ERA. The veteran was particularly effective in September, posting a 1.45 ERA across four starts.
Pivetta missed nearly five months with a flexor strain in his right elbow and endured a setback during his first rehabilitation appearance. However, his return has been impressive. He has looked like the pitcher who finished sixth in National League Cy Young voting last season and started Game 1 of the previous year’s Wild Card Series against the Cubs.
Chicago will counter with right-hander Kevin Gausman, who was acquired at the Trade Deadline for postseason situations such as this. Gausman owns a 9-12 record and a 4.51 ERA, but his playoff experience makes him a logical choice for a potential elimination game.
Gausman appeared in 14 postseason games during his career and played an important role in Toronto’s run to the World Series last fall. He posted a 2.93 ERA during that postseason. The Cubs are hopeful that his experience can help them force a decisive Game 3.
Historic Moment for Ethan Salas
The Padres lineup features a notable piece of postseason history. Top prospect Ethan Salas is making his playoff debut behind the plate. At 20 years and 121 days old, Salas becomes the youngest player to catch a postseason game in MLB history.
Salas will work with Gausman’s opposite number, Pivetta, while Fernando Tatis Jr. leads off in right field. Manny Machado hits third, followed by Ty France, Jackson Merrill and Xander Bogaerts. Austin Hays starts at designated hitter, with Jake Cronenworth batting ninth.
- Fernando Tatis Jr., right field
- Dustin Harris, left field
- Manny Machado, third base
- Ty France, first base
- Jackson Merrill, center field
- Xander Bogaerts, shortstop
- Ethan Salas, catcher
- Austin Hays, designated hitter
- Jake Cronenworth, second base
Chicago is keeping Alex Bregman at designated hitter as he continues to recover from facial fractures suffered on Sept. 20. Pete Crow-Armstrong leads off, while Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ fill out the middle of the Cubs order.
Explosive Bats and Bullpen Strength
The Padres enter Game 2 with their biggest stars in excellent form. Tatis hit 20 of his 25 home runs after the All-Star break, while Machado also finished the regular season strongly. Both players homered in the first inning of Game 1, immediately setting the tone for San Diego’s victory.
San Diego also preserved much of its bullpen in the opener. Mason Miller is expected to handle the late innings, with Adrian Morejon potentially setting him up. Bradgley Rodriguez and Yuki Matsui are available for middle-inning work, while Jason Adam could also contribute after returning from a shoulder strain.
Game 1 starter Michael King is the only Padres pitcher expected to be unavailable. Walker Buehler and Robbie Ray remain possible options if the game requires extended coverage or if the series reaches Game 3.
For Chicago, the plan is likely to be aggressive. Clay Holmes, Shota Imanaga and David Peterson are among the arms who could appear behind Gausman. Peterson and Imanaga were especially effective late in the regular season, giving the Cubs options if Gausman has a short leash.
How to Watch Padres vs. Cubs Game 2
Game 2 is being broadcast nationally on NBCSN and Peacock. Spanish-language coverage is available through Universo and Univision Radio, while ESPN Radio is providing national audio coverage of the 2026 MLB postseason.
The Padres need one more victory to advance, but the Cubs have the talent and pitching depth to make this a tense contest. With Pivetta returning to top form, Salas making history and San Diego’s bullpen rested, the home team has several advantages. Still, one early swing from Chicago could completely change the direction of the series.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Padres
Who is starting for the Padres in Game 2?
Nick Pivetta is starting for San Diego. He posted a 2.86 ERA overall and a 1.45 ERA in four September starts.
Who is starting for the Cubs?
Kevin Gausman is scheduled to start for Chicago. The right-hander has extensive postseason experience and is being trusted in a must-win game.
Why is Ethan Salas making history?
At 20 years and 121 days old, Ethan Salas becomes the youngest player to catch a postseason game in MLB history.
What happens if the Padres win?
A San Diego victory ends the Wild Card Series and sends the Padres into the next round of the postseason. A Cubs win would force a decisive Game 3.
