Walker Buehler is back with the Padres as San Diego returns home facing elimination in the National League Division Series.
The right-hander was activated from the paternity list Monday, with right-hander Randy Vásquez coming off the club’s postseason roster. Buehler finished the 2026 regular season 9-6 with a 4.63 ERA across 32 starts for San Diego.
The result
There is no Game 3 result yet. The Padres will try to extend their season Tuesday night at Petco Park after Milwaukee took the opening two games of the best-of-five NLDS.
Game 3 is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. CT and 6:30 p.m. PT, with FS1, FOX Deportes and FOX One carrying the broadcast.
The rotation next
Nick Pivetta is lined up to start Tuesday for San Diego. Buehler had been in consideration for the Game 1 assignment, but Robbie Ray received that start. Manager Craig Stammen said the choice of Ray had been settled before Buehler went on the paternity list.
Buehler’s return gives the Padres another experienced starter in the room as they attempt to turn around a series that has reached its tightest point. With two losses already on the board, San Diego needs Pivetta to hold the line at home and give the bullpen a game it can manage inning by inning.
