Manny Machado Leads Padres Against Cubs in Wild Card Showdown

CHICAGO, IL – The 2025 MLB playoffs begin today as the San Diego Padres face the Chicago Cubs in the NL Wild Card Game. The match kicks off at 3:08 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field, marking the Padres’ first playoff appearance since 2020.

Manny Machado enters this game after hitting 27 home runs in the regular season. The third baseman is expected to perform under pressure, having homered on the last day of the regular season. “I feel confident and ready to show what we can do against the Cubs,” Machado said.

The Cubs will start left-hander Matt Boyd, who had a solid overall season with a 3.21 ERA but struggled in the second half with a 4.63 ERA. Machado has faced Boyd 13 times in his career, getting two doubles but no home runs. “He’s tough, but I know I can connect,” Machado added.

In contrast, Machado’s numbers against left-handed pitchers are impressive, hitting 12 home runs this season against them. Mitchell Pivetta, on the Cubs side, is set to make an impact as well. He logged a 2.87 ERA and is seen as a key player.

Betting options highlight Machado and Cubs first baseman as co-favorites to hit a home run at +420. Sports analysts suggest that the odds reflect both players’ potential performance today. The combined simulation predicts a close match with the Cubs winning 4.3 to 3.5.

According to sources, the Padres and Cubs both aim for a strong start in a best-of-three series. Winning early could set the postseason tone for both franchises.