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Padres game today brings a critical NL Wild Card Series matchup to San Diego, where the Padres host the Chicago Cubs in a must-win Game 2 for the visiting club. First pitch is underway Wednesday, with the Padres holding a 1-0 series advantage after a convincing victory in the opener.
History suggests the series is far from settled. The Padres and Cubs have met twice previously in the postseason, and both matchups went the distance. Chicago now needs a major rebound performance to force a decisive Game 3, while San Diego is trying to close out the best-of-three series in front of its home fans.
Padres Game Today: Pivetta and Gausman Lead Critical Showdown
The Cubs will turn to right-hander Kevin Gausman in the elimination game. Gausman finished the regular season with a 9-12 record and a 4.51 ERA. His splitter remained a major weapon, producing a 42.9 percent whiff rate.
Chicago acquired Gausman at the Trade Deadline specifically for high-pressure moments such as this one. He has appeared in 14 postseason games and played an important role in Toronto’s run to the World Series last fall. He recorded a 2.93 ERA during the 2025 postseason, although his recent season with the Cubs has been less consistent.
Gausman has also been managing an issue with his left, non-throwing shoulder. He tested the shoulder during a mound workout before Game 1 and reported encouraging results. The Cubs will nevertheless monitor his workload closely.
San Diego counters with Nick Pivetta, who owns a 2-3 record and a 2.86 ERA. Pivetta spent nearly five months on the injured list with a right flexor strain but returned in strong form. He posted a 1.45 ERA across four September starts and appears to have regained the dominant form that earned him a sixth-place finish in last season’s National League Cy Young voting.
Historic Night for Ethan Salas in San Diego
The biggest storyline in the Padres lineup is the postseason debut of top prospect Ethan Salas. At 20 years and 121 days old, Salas becomes the youngest player to catch a postseason game in Major League Baseball history.
Salas bats seventh and catches Gausman, creating an unusual challenge for the young backstop. The Padres have placed him in the middle of a high-stakes playoff game against an experienced pitcher, but his defensive skills and offensive potential have made him one of the organization’s most important young players.
San Diego’s lineup also features a powerful middle order. Fernando Tatis Jr. leads off, followed by Dustin Harris, Manny Machado, Ty France, Jackson Merrill and Xander Bogaerts. Tatis and Machado both homered in Game 1, continuing their strong finishes to the regular season.
- 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
The Cubs are keeping Alex Bregman at designated hitter as he continues to recover from facial fractures suffered on Sept. 20. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ provide additional offensive threats in Chicago’s lineup.
Padres Bullpen Holds Major Advantage
San Diego enters the game with nearly its entire bullpen available after preserving most of its relief corps in the series opener. Manager Craig Stammen is expected to rely on Adrian Morejon and closer Mason Miller in the late innings, with Bradgley Rodriguez and Yuki Matsui available for middle-inning work.
Jason Adam could also contribute after recently returning from a right shoulder strain. Walker Buehler and Robbie Ray remain possible options if the Padres need length early, particularly with both pitchers being potential Game 3 starters.
The Cubs are expected to use an aggressive pitching strategy. Clay Holmes, Shota Imanaga and David Peterson could all be called upon behind Gausman, especially if Chicago falls behind or the starter’s shoulder becomes a concern.
According to MLB.com, teams that win Game 1 of a best-of-three Wild Card Series have advanced 21 times in 24 previous opportunities. That makes the Padres the clear statistical favorite, but San Diego’s manager acknowledged that Chicago is unlikely to repeat its poor performance from the opener.
How to Watch the Padres Game Today
Game 2 of the Cubs-Padres NL Wild Card Series is being broadcast nationally on NBCSN and Peacock. Spanish-language coverage is available on Universo, while Univision Radio provides Spanish audio. ESPN Radio is also carrying national coverage of the 2026 MLB Postseason.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Padres game today?
The Cubs-Padres Wild Card Series Game 2 is underway Wednesday in San Diego. Viewers should check local listings for the precise broadcast time in their area.
Who is starting for the Padres?
Right-hander Nick Pivetta is starting for San Diego. He finished the regular season with a 2.86 ERA and a 1.45 ERA in four September outings.
Who is pitching for the Cubs?
Kevin Gausman is starting for Chicago. He posted a 4.51 ERA during the regular season and is being trusted in a must-win postseason game.
Why is Ethan Salas making history?
At 20 years and 121 days old, Ethan Salas is the youngest player to catch a postseason game in MLB history.
What happens if the Cubs win?
If Chicago wins Game 2, the series will move to a decisive Game 3. A Padres victory sends San Diego into the next round of the postseason.
