The San Diego Padres have officially named 33-year-old right-hander Nick Pivetta as their starting pitcher for Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs. The matchup takes place on Wednesday in San Diego, where the Padres enter with a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
San Diego seized control of the series following an 8-0 shutout victory in Game 1 on Tuesday. The opening win featured strong performances from star hitters Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., alongside a dominant outing from starting pitcher Michael King, who out-dueled left-hander Matthew Boyd.
“Piv gets the nod,” the San Diego Padres stated in an official team announcement released a few hours ahead of Game 2.
Nick Pivetta’s Remarkable Return From Injury
Pivetta’s selection for Game 2 marks a major milestone in a season interrupted by physical setbacks. After entering the year as the team’s Opening Day starter and serving as the Padres’ ace a season prior, Pivetta was sidelined after his fourth start due to an elbow injury. He missed nearly five months of action, leaving his availability for the remainder of the season in question.
Upon returning to the active roster on September 7, Pivetta quickly reclaimed his dominant form. Across four regular-season starts following his recovery, he surrendered just three earned runs over 18.2 innings, compiling an impressive 1.45 ERA.
“I don’t quite understand it,” Pivetta said regarding his emotional return in September. “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.”
Game 2 Context and Opponent Strategy
Wednesday night’s contest serves as a potential elimination game for the visiting Chicago Cubs. To stave off elimination, the Cubs counter with right-hander Kevin Gausman on the mound. Gausman joined Chicago prior to the trade deadline, pitching to a 4.83 ERA across nine starts and 50.1 innings down the stretch.
Pivetta is no stranger to high-stakes postseason play for San Diego. He started Game 1 of the Padres’ wild-card series last year, striking out nine batters while allowing two runs over five innings.
Looking Ahead: Potential Game 3 and Broadcast Info
If the Chicago Cubs manage to force a decisive Game 3, the Padres are expected to turn to right-hander Walker Buehler. Buehler logged 32 starts during the 2026 campaign-his most since his 2021 All-Star season-finishing with a 9-6 record and a 4.63 ERA over 153.2 innings. Buehler brings substantial postseason pedigree to the clubhouse, having captured two World Series titles with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Game 2 is scheduled for a 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET first pitch on Wednesday. Television and streaming coverage will be broadcast nationally on Peacock and NBCSN.
