Chicago Cubs-San Diego Padres Wild Card Series Preview | Matthew Boyd vs Michael King in Game 1

The Chicago Cubs are back in the postseason — and it’s a rematch with the San Diego Padres, this time at Petco Park. After an 89-win regular season, the Cubs open the NL Wild Card Series tonight looking to advance and get another shot at Milwaukee.Matthew Boyd gets the ball for Chicago in Game 1 against Padres right-hander Michael King. Boyd returns to the postseason mound against San Diego after starting Game 1 of last year’s Wild Card Series and holding the Padres to one run over 4⅓ innings. King brings a 3.21 ERA into the opener after a strong 2026 season.But one of the biggest questions surrounding the Cubs lineup is Alex Bregman. After returning from multiple facial fractures and finishing the regular season with a huge game as the DH, will Bregman be ready to take the field at third base tonight — or will the Cubs keep him at DH? Bregman has been taking ground balls, but Craig Counsell had not made a final decision on his defensive availability.We break down Boyd vs. King, what the Cubs need to do to win Game 1 on the road, the challenge of playing a talented Padres team in a hostile Petco Park, and how Bregman’s role could impact the lineup.Can the Cubs steal Game 1 in San Diego and take control of the Wild Card Series?312 SPORTS PRO SHOP: https://bit.ly/4e7bqyvThe Best Replacement Windows And Doors At The Best Price. Chicagowindowguys.comGive Larine a try. Right now, Larineco is offering our listeners up to 50% off at buylarine.com/ivyMake sure to subscribe to...✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀✅ Jason Goff UnscriptedAll links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.