Cubs vs. Padres Game 2: Chicago faces elimination Wednesday
Update (6:07 p.m. ET, Wednesday): San Diego has confirmed its starting lineup for Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series. The Cubs still face elimination Wednesday at Petco Park as the Padres seek to close out the series.
The Padres won Game 1, 8-0, behind Michael King’s dominant pitching and early offensive fireworks. Chicago’s offense managed just one hit in the opener. A Padres win advances San Diego to the NLDS; a Cubs victory forces Game 3.
Cubs vs. Padres Game 2 game information
- Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30
- Time: 10 p.m. ET
- Venue: Petco Park, San Diego, California
- TV/Streaming: Peacock, NBCSN, ERADM
- Series: NLWC – Game 2, SD leads series 1-0
What is San Diego’s confirmed starting lineup?
San Diego’s lineup for Game 2 is set. Fernando Tatis Jr. leads off in right field, followed by Dustin Harris in left, Manny Machado at third base, Ty France at first, Jackson Merrill in center, Xander Bogaerts at shortstop, Ethan Salas catching, Austin Hays at designated hitter and Jake Cronenworth at second base.
Salas, 20, is set to become the youngest catcher ever in a postseason game. Over his final 10 regular-season games, he recorded 10 hits with a home run after starting his career 0-for-14.
Can the Cubs bounce back after a stunning shutout?
Chicago (89-73) managed one hit in Game 1. King struck out probable NL MVP Pete Crow-Armstrong on three pitches to open the game and finished with eight strikeouts over seven innings, with Nico Hoerner’s seventh-inning infield single the only hit off the Padres starter.
Crow-Armstrong led the Cubs with a .280 average, 45 home runs and 107 RBIs this season. The Cubs could not generate any offensive threat in Game 1, with just one hit across the lineup.
Who are the expected starting pitchers?
Kevin Gausman is listed as the probable starter for Chicago.
Nick Pivetta is listed as the probable starter for San Diego.
How does San Diego’s bullpen change the equation?
The Padres’ relief corps, featuring Adrian Morejon, Bradgley Rodriguez and Mason Miller, gives San Diego a significant edge if the game is close late. San Diego’s bullpen depth was on display in Game 1, with multiple relievers contributing after King’s strong start.
Chicago’s mission is straightforward: push Pivetta from the game early and avoid a late lead for Miller, one of baseball’s hardest-throwing closers, to protect.
What is San Diego’s offensive form right now?
Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado hit back-to-back homers early in Game 1 to set the tone for San Diego’s offensive explosion. San Diego (91-71) has momentum heading into Game 2 after the dominant shutout victory.
Tatis led the Padres with a .289 batting average this season, while Machado topped the roster with 30 home runs and 91 RBIs. San Diego’s offense will look to stay aggressive in Game 2 against a Cubs team seeking to force a Game 3.
Who is unavailable for each team?
The Padres are without designated hitter Miguel Andujar (right wrist fracture), reliever Jeremiah Estrada (right shoulder pinched nerve) and starter Casey Mize (right ankle sprain), per official MLB data. Lucas Giolito is on the 60-day IL with right elbow inflammation. Catcher Rodolfo Duran is out with a right forearm strain.
Chicago is without starter Edward Cabrera (bereavement), reliever Trent Thornton (left ankle soreness) on the 15-day IL, and relievers Phil Maton (right knee sprain) and Hunter Harvey (right triceps fracture) plus first baseman Tyler Austin (right knee surgery) on the 60-day IL, per official data.
What to watch
Chicago’s offense must find traction against San Diego’s pitching staff to extend its season. San Diego aims to close out the series and advance to the NLDS. A Cubs win forces a decisive Game 3; a Padres win ends Chicago’s postseason run.
A Cubs win forces a decisive Game 3. A Padres win ends Chicago’s season and sends San Diego to the division series for the first time since its 2024 run. First pitch for Game 2 is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Petco Park.
Reporting from ESPN, FOX Sports, Yahoo Sports and Chicagotribune contributed to this story. Official statistics: ESPN (official league data).