The Chicago Cubs seek to avoid a series deficit on Wednesday night as they face the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card. After a dismal Game 1, Chicago will rely on veteran Kevin Gausman to stop the bleeding.
A hitless seven-inning stretch for MLB's wRC+ leaders
The Chicago Cubs entered the postseason as a statistical powerhouse, leading Major League Baseball in WAR, OPS, and wRC+ during the regular season. However, as the report says, that dominance vanished in Game 1, where the Cubs were held hitless through the first seven innings. The San Diego Padres capitalized on this collapse, mounting a 13-hit attack to secure a commanding victory.
This sudden offensive silence is a jarring reversal for a lineup that spent the year bullying pitchers. the failure to produce early in the series puts immense pressure on the Chicago Cubs to find their rhythm immediately, as the San Diego Padres have entered the playoffs as one of the league's most dangerous teams.
Gausman’s shoulder injury vs. Pivetta’s 30 percent strikeout rate
For Game 2, the Chicago Cubs turn to right-hander Kevin Gausman, though his current form is a point of concern. According to the report, Gausman has struggled with inconsistency throughout 2026 and is currently managing a nagging shoulder injury. While Gausman brings significant postseason experience to the mound, his health remains a critical variable in Chicago's bid to even the series.
The San Diego Padres counter with Nick Pivetta, who has been dominant since returning from the injured list. Pivetta has recorded a 30 percent strikeout rate across 34.2 innings this season, while allowing only eight walks. While the Chicago Cubs are known for working deep counts, Pivetta's efficiency and ability to miss bats pose a significant threat to an offense still reeling from its Game 1 shutout.
Bregman’s facial fractures and Pedro Ramirez’s postseason debut
Lineup volatility continues for the Chicago Cubs, as manager Craig Counsell has decided to keep Alex Bregman in the designated hitter role. This decision stems from facial fractures Bregman suffered due to a foul ball during a game in Cincinnati. By keeping Bregman off the field, the Cubs avoid risking further injury to their star hitter.
This shift opens the door for rookie Pedro Ramirez to make his first postseason start at third base. Ramirez is a relatively inexperienced option, having started only 14 games at the "hot corner" during the regular season and committing three errors in 136 total innings. Counsell opted for Ramirez over Matt Shaw, who has transitioned to right field this season after playing 124 games at third in 2025.
Why Ethan Salas is sidelnied for Campusano
One of the most intriguing omissions from the San Diego Padres lineup is 20-year-old catcher Ethan Salas. Despite a strong finish to the regular season—going 7-for-18 in his final seven games—Salas will remain on the bench in favor of the more experienced Campusano.
With only 39 major-league at-bats to his name , Salas represents a high-ceiling but high-risk option. The San Diego Padres coaching staff appears to be prioritizing stability and veteran presence behind the plate for this high-stakes Wild Card matchup. Whether this conservative approach will pay off remains to be seen, but it highlights San Diego's preference for proven reliability over rookie momentum .
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