The San Diego Padres have officially announced right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta as their starting pitcher for Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs. The crucial matchup is set for Wednesday night at Petco Park. The Cubs will counter by starting right-hander Kevin Gausman in this elimination game.
- Nick Pivetta’s Remarkable Comeback Season
- Matchup Strategy and Rotation Outlook
- How to Watch Padres vs. Cubs Game 2
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is starting Game 2 for the San Diego Padres?
- Who is the starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs in Game 2?
- Why did Nick Pivetta miss most of the season?
- How did Pivetta perform after returning from injury in September?
- Who is a potential starting option for the Padres in a Game 3?
The official announcement came on Tuesday ahead of Game 1, which featured right-hander Michael King facing left-hander Matthew Boyd. As the series shifts to Wednesday, the Padres are handing the ball to Pivetta, who seeks to cap off an inspiring return from a major injury.
Nick Pivetta’s Remarkable Comeback Season
Pivetta’s path to the postseason mound has been unconventional. He entered the 2026 campaign as the Padres’ Opening Day starter and served as the team’s ace a year ago. However, he suffered a flexor strain in his elbow during his fourth start of the year, forcing him to miss nearly five months.
Despite doubts about whether he would pitch again this season, Pivetta made a strong return on September 7. Down the stretch, he delivered dominant performances, allowing just three earned runs over 18.2 innings across four starts for an exceptional 1.45 ERA.
“I don’t quite understand it,” Pivetta said of his emotions following his September return. “I think I just care so much about the game. I care about my teammates. Care about the people around me and how much they’ve helped me through this whole process. Words can’t explain. Just grateful to be back out there.”
Matchup Strategy and Rotation Outlook
By selecting Pivetta for Wednesday, Padres manager Craig Stammen opted for consecutive right-handed starters to open the best-of-three series following Michael King. Pivetta also brings vital postseason experience against Chicago. He started Game 1 of last year’s wild-card series against the Cubs, surrendering two runs over five frames while striking out nine batters.
On the opposing side, the Cubs will rely on Kevin Gausman. Gausman joined the franchise ahead of the trade deadline and posted a 4.83 ERA over nine starts and 50.1 innings during the regular season.
If the wild-card series extends to a decisive Game 3, the Padres have alternative options ready. Right-hander Walker Buehler is lined up to take the ball if needed. Buehler logged 32 starts this season-his highest total since his 2021 All-Star campaign-finishing 9-6 with a 4.63 ERA over 153.2 innings, along with valuable World Series championship experience from his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
How to Watch Padres vs. Cubs Game 2
- Date: Wednesday, September 30
- First Pitch Time: 7:00 p.m. PT / 10:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Petco Park, San Diego, CA
- Broadcast Channels: Peacock and NBCSN
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is starting Game 2 for the San Diego Padres?
Right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta is starting Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs.
Who is the starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs in Game 2?
The Cubs selected right-hander Kevin Gausman to start the elimination game on Wednesday night at Petco Park.
Why did Nick Pivetta miss most of the season?
Pivetta missed nearly five months of the season due to an elbow injury and flexor strain sustained during his fourth start of the year.
How did Pivetta perform after returning from injury in September?
Upon returning on September 7, Pivetta excelled across four starts, pitching 18.2 innings and posting a stellar 1.45 ERA with just three runs allowed.
Who is a potential starting option for the Padres in a Game 3?
If the series goes to a third game, right-hander Walker Buehler is the expected candidate to take the mound for San Diego.
