Padres reveal identical lineup vs. Cubs for Game 2 of the NL Wild Card

There are only a few things that MLB managers can do to alter the results of a game. One of those things, which is perhaps the most important, is putting together the starting lineup.

Padres manager Mike Shildt had to watch in angst as his team squandered a 3-1 loss on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card round. There was hardly any timely hitting, and the top three batters went hitless.

Rather than trying to start over and re-invent a lineup with their backs against the wall, Shildt and Co. are electing to run out the same exact order on Wednesday as they did in yesterday's defeat. The only difference is San Diego's starting pitcher, who will be Dylan Cease (8-12, 4.55).

San Diego Padres keep lineup from Tuesday's loss for Game 2 vs. Cubs

The most interesting (or controversial) part of running back the same lineup is keeping three left-handed bats hitting back-to-back-to-back. Ryan O'Hearn, Gavin Sheets, and Jake Cronenworth all bat from the left side - and they combined for an 0-for-9 effort in Tuesday's loss.

However, Shildt keeping the same lineup can still be viewed as a positive. For now. It shows that the coaching staff is not panicking despite being one game away from elimination. Plus, the odds of Fernando Tatis Jr., Luis Arraez, and Manny Machado each going hitless again are slim. If anything, this is a vote of confidence in the team, as they will look to attack Andrew Kittredge early on.

Kittredge (4-3, 3.50) will be the Cubs' opener on Wednesday, all while San Diego has one of their 'aces' on the hill. All of this could spell out a series-tying win for the Friars.

First pitch is scheduled for 12:08 PT. If the Padres can go back to their usual habits on offense, then this will not be the final game of the 2025 season. Setting the tone early will be as important as ever. Padres fans know that this lineup is capable of an eruption, and now it's time for them to go out and do it.

More San Diego Padres News & Updates