Padres vs Cubs Preview: Big Pitching Showdown on July 1

The Padres lost three straight before this matchup. That's a tough spot. But here's the thing—San Diego's got Mason Miller closing games in the ninth inning, and he's one of baseball's most electric closers. The Cubs just won three straight and feel good right now. The teams split yesterday in a back-and-forth game that came down to the final pitch. Crow-Armstrong scored the go-ahead run in the ninth for Chicago. Today, the bullpen battle matters huge. If Miller keeps his dominance and San Diego's relievers stay sharp, they can steal this game in Chicago.

Walker Buehler is San Diego's probable starter for Wednesday. He's a veteran pitcher who knows how to compete in big moments. The Cubs will counter with Colin Rea, who's had a rough year with a 5.86 ERA. This is Rea's birthday too—he was born July 1, 1990. San Diego's rotation has dealt with injuries. Lucas Giolito is out. Nick Pivetta is rehabbing. German Marquez is still working his way back. But Buehler gives the Padres a chance to win on the road against a Cubs team that's been playing good baseball lately.

The Padres are missing pieces. Ramon Laureano needs surgery and won't play again this season. Nick Pivetta threw a light bullpen session but won't pitch soon. Lucas Giolito has elbow inflammation. German Marquez is still rehabbing a forearm issue. Yet San Diego's rotation has held steady with Michael King and Joe Musgrove leading the charge. Chicago has its own injury problems with five starters out. The Cubs' rotation is banged up too. This game comes down to who can stay healthy and get the job done on the mound. Depth matters when injuries hit hard.