Sun Aug 03 03:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Padres Continue Wild Card Push Against Cardinals in Series Showdown**

San Diego, CA – The San Diego Padres, riding a five-game winning streak, are set to face the St. Louis Cardinals in a crucial series that could further solidify their playoff aspirations. The Padres (60-49) are currently in second place in the NL West, just three games behind the Dodgers, and hold a 3.5-game lead for the National League’s final Wild Card spot.

The Cardinals (55-55), on the other hand, are in a different position. Ten games back in their division and 5.5 games out of the Wild Card race, St. Louis became sellers at the trade deadline, parting ways with key relievers.

The pitching matchups for the series are as follows:

* **Game 1:** Cardinals LHP Matthew Liberatore (6-8, 4.04 ERA) vs. Padres RHP Nick Pivetta (10-3, 2.81 ERA). Both pitchers faced each other last week in St. Louis. Liberatore struggled to pitch deep into the game, while Pivetta, despite the loss, boasts a stellar 0.96 ERA over his last six starts and is dominant at home.
* **Game 2:** Cardinals RHP Michael McGreevy (2-2, 4.91 ERA) vs. Padres RHP Randy Vásquez (3-4, 3.65 ERA). Both pitchers are coming off starts against each other. Vásquez did not complete five innings in any of his last three starts.
* **Game 3:** Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante (6-7, 4.62 ERA) vs. Padres RHP Dylan Cease (3-10, 4.79 ERA). Pallante is the only Cardinals starter who didn’t face the Padres last week and is coming off a strong outing. Cease is looking to bounce back after being hit in the head and features a high ERA against the Cardinals.

**Injury Updates:**

* **Cardinals:** OF Lars Nootbaar (costochondral sprain) has begun a rehab assignment. LHP John King (oblique) may also return this month.
* **Padres:** RHP Michael King (shoulder) is slated for a rehab start soon. LHP Nestor Cortes (flexor), recently acquired, could be an option in August.

This series presents a critical opportunity for the Padres to continue their momentum in the playoff race. For the Cardinals, it’s a chance to play spoiler and evaluate young talent as they look towards the future.

Read More