By Andrew Wright
Copyright newsweek
The full field for MLB‘s postseason is finally set.
One of the series in the National League will see the San Diego Padres travel to Wrigley Field to matchup with the Chicago Cubs. Chicago’s Game 1 starter is not yet known, but we do know who will toe the rubber for San Diego.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 22: Nick Pivetta #27 of the San Diego Padres celebrates in the clubhouse after the game against Milwaukee Brewers after earning a Wild Card berth in the MLB playoffs Petco Park on September 22, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
According to Padres beat reporter AJ Cassavell, it will be right-hander Nick Pivetta taking the ball in Game 1 for San Diego. It will be Pivetta’s first playoff start since the 2021 postseason when he was with the Boston Red Sox.
Pivetta has been the Padres’ best starting pitcher this season with a 2.87 ERA and 190 strikeouts across 31 starts and 181 2/3 innings pitched. The innings and strikeouts were both career highs for the nine-year veteran, as were his 13 wins on the mound.
Pivetta has faced the Cubs twice this season, both coming in April. His start at Wrigley Field was a bad one, as he went just three innings while allowing six hits, three runs, three walks and striking out four. He surrendered a home run to Dansby Swanson in that outing and was awarded the loss. That three-inning start was his shortest of the entire season.
An excellent outing from Pivetta in Game 1 will be crucial for San Diego. The struggles of the starting rotation leave tough decisions for manager Mike Shildt. Those could become easier, though, with a 1-0 series lead heading into Wednesday.
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