Image Source: MLB.com
The Padres game against the Milwaukee Brewers carries major postseason pressure Wednesday night, with Walker Buehler making a dramatic return to the mound for San Diego in NLDS Game 4. The Padres lead the best-of-five series, 2-1, after an intense Game 3 victory that required an all-hands-on-deck effort from their pitching staff.
Milwaukee is trying to force a decisive Game 5, while San Diego has an opportunity to move on in front of its home crowd. The matchup features two experienced teams, tired bullpens and a Brewers club desperate to end one of baseball’s most frustrating postseason road streaks.
Padres Game Features Critical Buehler-Brewers Showdown
Buehler will start for the Padres just two days after being activated from the paternity list. The nine-year veteran has extensive playoff experience, including a 3.04 ERA across 19 career postseason appearances. His last postseason appearance came when he closed out the 2024 World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Although Buehler is no longer relying solely on the overpowering velocity that defined the early part of his career, he has established himself as one of San Diego’s most consistent arms. The Padres went 10-3 in his second-half starts, and the club is trusting his poise in a potentially decisive matchup.
Milwaukee will counter with left-hander Robert Gasser, who was acquired from the Padres in the 2022 trade that sent Josh Hader to San Diego. Gasser finished the regular season strongly, posting a 1.67 ERA over his final six outings. That stretch included an emergency relief appearance after Dustin May was struck by a comeback line drive.
Urgent Road Streak Puts Brewers Under Pressure
The Brewers have lost 12 consecutive postseason road games, with their last playoff road victory coming against Buehler and the Dodgers in Game 2 of the 2018 NLCS. A loss Wednesday would extend that unwanted run to 13 games and create even greater pressure heading into a possible Game 5 in Milwaukee.
History offers the Brewers a reason for optimism. According to MLB’s postseason data, teams that lose the first two games of a best-of-five series, win Game 3 and avoid elimination have forced a Game 5 in 18 of 39 instances. Ten of those teams eventually completed the comeback and won the series.
Milwaukee has ace Jacob Misiorowski available for Game 5 if necessary, although using him in relief during Game 4 remains a possibility. Manager Pat Murphy must balance the immediate need to win with the longer-term demands of a potential National League Championship Series appearance.
Starting Lineups and Key Players to Watch
The Brewers will use a different lineup for the fourth consecutive game. Brice Turang remains in the cleanup spot, while Christian Yelich moves up to second after collecting two hits in Game 3.
- Jackson Chourio, left field
- Christian Yelich, designated hitter
- William Contreras, catcher
- Brice Turang, second base
- Jake Bauers, first base
- Cooper Pratt, shortstop
- Sal Frelick, right field
- Garrett Mitchell, center field
- Joey Ortiz, third base
Contreras has been one of Milwaukee’s most productive hitters in the series, going 4-for-11 with two home runs. Yelich is also 4-for-10 and delivered his first RBI since Game 7 of the 2018 NLCS. However, Turang, Bauers and Mitchell have combined for only five hits and 15 strikeouts in the series.
San Diego will start Austin Hays at designated hitter, with Samad Taylor moving into left field. Fernando Tatis Jr. leads off, followed by Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado. Machado has been outstanding this postseason, batting .375 with a 1.212 OPS.
Tatis, meanwhile, is looking to break out after going 1-for-18 since his two-hit performance in the Wild Card Series. Xander Bogaerts and Ty France have also been productive, giving the Padres several dangerous options behind their middle-of-the-order stars.
Bullpen Fatigue Could Decide the Padres Game
San Diego’s bullpen faces a difficult challenge after Michael King closed Game 3 with two innings, only two days after pitching deep into Game 2. Mason Miller has been activated from the paternity list and is expected to strengthen the late-inning group.
Adrian Morejon was still being evaluated after experiencing shoulder fatigue, while Bradgley Rodriguez, Yuki Matsui and Jason Adam also worked in the previous game. Joe Musgrove could be called upon in a high-leverage role if the Padres need additional coverage.
The Padres game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Pacific time and will air nationally on FS1, FOX Deportes and FOX One. With San Diego one win from advancing and Milwaukee fighting to keep its season alive, Game 4 promises another tense chapter in a fiercely competitive NLDS.
Padres Game FAQs
When is Padres vs. Brewers NLDS Game 4?
Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. Pacific time, or 9 p.m. Central time.
Who is starting for the Padres?
Walker Buehler is scheduled to start for San Diego. He owns a 3.04 career postseason ERA across 19 appearances.
Who is starting for the Brewers?
Robert Gasser will start for Milwaukee. He posted a 1.67 ERA over his final six regular-season outings.
What is at stake in Game 4?
The Padres can win the NLDS with a victory, while the Brewers need to win to force a decisive Game 5 in Milwaukee.
Where can fans watch the game?
The game will air on FS1, FOX Deportes and FOX One. Availability may vary by location and television provider.
