Padres’ Tyler Wade Steps Up Amid Outfield Injuries Against Cubs

San Diego, CA — Tyler Wade is set to start in center field and bat eighth for the San Diego Padres as they face the Chicago Cubs on Monday evening. The 30-year-old Wade steps into an essential role due to injuries sidelining both Jackson Merrill and Brandon Lockridge, who are currently on the 10-day injured list with hamstring issues.

This will mark Wade’s first major-league start of the season after he made a couple of defensive appearances during the weekend series against the Colorado Rockies. Last season, he participated in 90 games for the Padres, batting .217 with eight stolen bases and 28 runs scored over 155 plate appearances.

“I’m excited to get the opportunity tonight,” Wade said. “I’ve been working hard while waiting for my chance, and I just want to contribute to the team.”

In a recent twist, the Padres have also had to adjust their pitching lineup. Dylan Cease, who suffered a rough outing in Sacramento where he gave up a career-high nine earned runs, will be taking the mound tonight. Cease, with a current ERA of 7.98, aims to bounce back against a Cubs lineup that has shown recent strength.

“I’ve done some digging with my mechanics since that start,” Cease explained. “I need to be more aggressive and focus on the adjustments that I need to make. It’s all part of the game.”

Meanwhile, the Cubs bring a strong opening lineup to Petco Park with their starting pitcher, Jameson Taillon, looking to build on his recent performances. Taillon has achieved quality starts in his last two outings, and he hopes to extend that trend against the struggling Padres.

“I feel good going into tonight’s game,” Taillon said. “The key is to stay focused and execute pitches. Each start carries its own challenges, but overall, I’m confident.”

The first pitch of the game is scheduled for 6:40 PM PDT. The Cubs, who carry an 11-7 record into this matchup, look to solidify their momentum while the Padres aim to recover from their recent struggles on the field.