The San Diego Padres are staring down elimination tonight in Game 3 of the NL Wild Card series, a high-stakes affair that could send them packing early from the playoffs. After splitting the first two games in Chicago, the team heads home to Petco Park with everything on the line. Manager Mike Shildt's decision to hand the ball to Yu Darvish feels like a calculated gamble, given the pitcher's uneven regular season but flashes of brilliance in big moments. Darvish, who posted a 3.86 ERA over 32 starts, will need to channel that October magic if the Padres are to advance.
Indeed, the bullpen has been a revelation lately, with Shildt offering an optimistic update that eases some nerves. Mason Miller's unhittable stuff in relief during Game 2 left Cubs hitters flailing, striking out five in just two innings and underscoring why San Diego invested heavily in its relief corps. Yet, the real shadow hanging over the clubhouse is Manny Machado's nagging injury. The third baseman, a cornerstone of the franchise, sat out the last game with elbow discomfort, and his status remains murky. Without Machado's bat—his .275 average and 28 homers were vital all year—the lineup loses its punch. Padres fans, already weary of close calls, might be forgiven for feeling a twinge of skepticism about this group's resilience.
Moreover, the Cubs aren't rolling over. Their starter, Justin Steele, brings a sharp 3.07 ERA and a knack for shutting down power hitters like Fernando Tatis Jr., who exploded for three hits in Game 1 but faded since. San Diego's offense, which ranked fourth in MLB with 4.6 runs per game, must rediscover its rhythm amid the playoff pressure cooker. Shildt emphasized team unity in his pregame remarks, but actions will speak louder tonight.
However, as the lights dim at Petco, one can't help but wonder if this iteration of the Padres can finally break through the postseason curse that has plagued them for years.