Red-Hot Padres Announce Starting Pitchers for Critical Series vs Pirates

After sweeping the Minnesota Twins in a three-game series, the San Diego Padres are now getting ready to host the Pittsburgh Pirates.

San Diego has been one of the better teams in baseball since the All-Star Break, putting themselves in a great spot to make the playoffs. But with there still being a little over a month left in the season, the job isn't done yet.

San Diego comes into this series with a record of 71-60, currently holding onto the final wild-card spot in the National League. The NL has a very crowded field, making every game that much more important down the stretch.

As for the Pirates, they enter this matchup after being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Pittsburgh has a record of 63-69 this year, with them technically still in the playoff race as well.

The Padres need to make sure that they take care of business against teams like the Pirates, who are 8.5 games behind them in the wild-card standings. But this series could allow Pittsburgh to jump back in, making it crucial for San Diego to win.

Padres vs Pirates Probable Pitchers

Monday, August 24: LHP Robbie Ray vs RHP Braxton Ashcraft

The Padres will be handing the ball to Ray to open the series, with the lefty looking to keep things going strong. In his last outing, Ray fired six innings, allowing just one run on three hits against the New York Mets.

Ray was one of the big trade deadline acquisitions for the Padres, and he's been good for San Diego since coming over. In three starts with the Padres, Ray has a 4.20 ERA, striking out 10 batters over 15 innings.

Going for Pittsburgh will be Ashcraft, who has been on fire of late. In his last two starts, Ashcraft became the third starter ever to put together back-to-back starts of at least eight innings, allowing one or fewer runs on 85 or fewer pitches.

Overall, the right-hander owns a 3.68 ERA over 25 starts for the Pirates this year.

Tuesday, August 25: RHP Michael King vs RHP Paul Skenes

King will take the mound in this game for the Padres, with the right-hander having a nice August so far. In four starts, King has posted a 3.42 ERA.

All year, King has been the most consistent pitcher in the rotation for the Padres, and he's given them a ton of life. Overall, the veteran has a 3.38 ERA over 26 starts.

Going against King will be Skenes, who has seen better days in the big leagues. Entering the season, Skenes was regarded as one of the best pitchers in baseball, but the 2026 season has been a struggle for him at times.

This year, Skenes has a 3.95 ERA over 26 starts. But he hasn't gone past the fifth inning in any of his last four starts, with the right-hander allowing 12 runs over his last 18.1 innings pitched.

Wednesday, August 26: RHP Randy Vásquez vs RHP Bubba Chandler

San Diego has yet to announce who will start the finale, but it'll likely be right-hander Randy Vásquez. Vásquez has been very good for the Padres lately, with manager Craig Stammen praising him and saying he's earned a spot in the rotation.

“Kind of a man on a mission, proving that he deserves to be in the starting rotation,” Stammen said.

In his last start, Vásquez went seven innings, allowing two runs on two hits to the Twins. Overall, he has a 4.19 ERA over 25 appearances (20 starts) this season.

Taking the mound for the Pirates will be Chandler, who is a hard-throwing right-hander. Chandler has recorded a 4.38 ERA in 25 appearances (24 starts) this season.

How to Watch Padres vs Pirates August 24-26

First pitch for Monday's series opener is 6:40 p.m. PT/9:40 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on Padres.TV and in the MLB app.

First pitch for Tuesday's game is 6:40 p.m. PT/9:40 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on Padres.TV and in the MLB app.

First pitch for Wednesday's series finale is 1:10 p.m. PT/4:10 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on Padres.TV and in the MLB app.

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