The San Diego Padres and the Milwaukee Brewers begin a three-game series tonight at Petco Park in this last full week of the 2025 season.

The Brewers have already booked their ticket to the postseason, clinching the NL Central this weekend along with a first-round bye. The Padres, meanwhile, still have a shot at the NL West. They’re trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by three games and can clinch at least a Wild Card berth with a win tonight.

This matchup could easily be a playoff preview. If the season ended today, the Brewers would be in line to face the Padres in the NLDS—provided San Diego gets through the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card Series. That gives both sides incentive to sharpen their postseason form.

On the mound, both clubs are sending likely Game 1 starters. Freddie Peralta (17–6, 2.65 ERA) has been brilliant for Milwaukee in what is arguably the best season of his career.

After posting a 4–0 record and a microscopic 0.32 ERA in August, he’s remained nearly untouchable, with opponents hitting just .117 against him that month. Peralta is on the verge of surpassing 200 strikeouts this year, and in his lone start against the Padres, he tossed six scoreless innings and allowed just one hit.

San Diego sends Nick Pivetta (13–5, 2.81 ERA) to the mound. He’s been a steady force down the stretch. Over his last seven outings, Pivetta has gone 2–1 with a 2.40 ERA, and tonight will be his first look at Milwaukee this season — a valuable test before October.

Prediction

This series opener looks tight, but Peralta’s dominance and Milwaukee’s lineup depth tilt the balance. But the Brewers will need to get out on top before the Padres’ bullpen comes in. They’re the best in the majors.

Prediction: Brewers 3, Padres 2

Starting Lineups

Milwaukee Brewers

1. Christian Yelich – DH

2. Jackson Chourio – CF

3. Brice Turang – 2B

4. William Contreras – C

5. Sal Frelick – RF

6. Andrew Vaughn – 1B

7. Isaac Collins – LF

8. Caleb Durbin – 3B

9. Joey Ortiz – SS

Starting Pitcher: Freddy Peralta (17–6, 2.65 ERA)

San Diego Padres

1. Luis Arraez – 1B

2. Manny Machado – 3B

3. Jackson Merrill – CF

4. Gavin Sheets – DH

5. Ryan O’Hearn – RF

6. Jake Cronenworth – 2B

7. Bryce Johnson – LF

8. Jose Iglesias – SS

9. Elias Díaz – C

Starting Pitcher: Nick Pivetta (13–5, 2.81 ERA)

How to Watch Brewers vs. Padres

First pitch for tonight’s game between the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres is set for 9:40 PM Eastern / 8:40 PM Central / 6:40 PM Pacific at Petco Park in San Diego.

The game airs live on Padres Television Network and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.

Out-of-market viewers can stream it live on MLB.TV.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. San Diego Padres

Date: Monday, September 22, 2025

First Pitch: 9:40 PM Eastern / 8:40 PM Central / 6:40 PM Pacific

Venue: Petco Park, San Diego, CA

TV: Padres Television Network, FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin

Streaming: MLB.TV