Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Cubs Announce Decision Before Game 3 Against Padres

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 6:44 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs dropped their second game of the National League Wild Card series to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, 3-0. Their offense, which earned a reputation as one of MLB's most explosive, struggled, producing zero runs and just four hits.

It's a best-of-three series, and with each team having one win, whoever comes out on top Thursday moves on. This elimination matchup at Wrigley Field could have several different start times, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee.

The Cubs, who are making their first postseason appearance since 2020, are looking to win their third World Series in franchise history; meanwhile, San Diego is still searching for its first

Cubs Announce Game 3 Starting Pitcher vs Padres

The Cubs will be without their top two starting pitchers after Matthew Boyd got the nod in Game 1, while Shota Imanaga came in during the second inning in Game 2 after opener Andrew Kittredge.

Following the Cubs' loss, Chris Kwiecinski of FOX 32 News revealed that the Cubs' public relations staff announced Jameson Taillon as the Game 3 starting pitcher.

Jameson Taillon will start Game 3 for the Cubs, the team’s PR staff announced.
— Chris Kwiecinski (@OchoK_) October 1, 2025

In 23 starts this year, he threw 129.2 innings, allowing 110 hits, 53 earned runs, 24 home runs, 27 walks, a 3.68 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and an opponent OPS of .692.

Taillon will be faced with shutting down a tough lineup that was productive throughout the season.

By the end of the year, the Padres ranked 13th in hits (1,369), 18th in runs scored (702), 28th in home runs (152), 18th in RBIs (663), 16th in walks (510) and 16th in cumulative OPS (.711).

Taillon faced San Diego once this regular season, going 5.1 innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs, one home run, one walk and recording four strikeouts. The Cubs would end up losing that game 10-4.

With their season on the line, Chicago is relying on the right arm of the 33-year-old veteran. Whoever comes out on top moves on to the National League Divisional Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: