CHICAGO – The San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs will face off in a decisive Game 3 of the Wild Card Series tonight at 5 ET on ESPN Deportes,with the winner advancing to the National League divisional Series. This marks the first time in Wild Card Series history (since 2020) a team has forced a Game 3 after losing the first game as a visitor.
The Padres are navigating injuries, with Ramón Laureano sidelined due to a fracture in his right index finger, impacting their lineup against left-handed pitching. Elias Díaz is expected to potentially return for the NL Divisional Series should the Padres advance,but will not be available for this game.
On the Cubs side, right-handed pitcher Cade Horton remains out due to a right rib fracture. Tucker has been the designated hitter in the first two games following a left calf strain that kept him out for over three weeks in September and may continue in that role.
Pitching for the Padres, andrew Kitledge is the only pitcher to have appeared in both Games 1 and 2. Colin Rea, used for five outs in Game 2, is likely limited in availability. Manager Bob Melvin can expect Brad Keller, Daniel Palencia, Caleb Thielbar, and Drew Pomeranz to be ready. Kitledge has reportedly indicated he is also available.
For the Cubs, Happ and Crow-Armstrong combined to go 0-for-14 with 10 strikeouts in the first two games. Hoerner is batting 7-for-3 in the series, while Suzuki’s five-game home run streak was broken in Game 2, though he did record a double.
Historically, teams in decisive postseason games played at home have a 64-66 record. The Cubs are seeking their first postseason series win at home since defeating the Dodgers in the 2016 National league championship Series. Bogaerts leads San Diego with three hits in the series, and Fermín has started 7-for-2 with a double. however, the left-handed hitting trio of O’Hearn, Sheets, and Cronenworth have collectively gone 1-for-17.
