Uphill Climb: Game 1 Losers Fight for Survival in Wild Card Series

The 2026 MLB postseason moves into a critical phase Wednesday with four Game 2 matchups in the best-of-three Wild Card Series. Following Tuesday's action, the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres are each just one victory away from advancing to the Division Series. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs all face elimination with a single loss.

History suggests a grim outlook for the trailing teams. According to CBS Sports, since the current postseason format was implemented in 2022, the Game 1 loser has recovered to win the Wild Card Series only once in 16 attempts—a feat achieved by the Yankees over the Red Sox last year. Furthermore, the Game 1 loser has forced a deciding Game 3 on only four other occasions. MLB reporting reinforces this trend, noting that teams winning the series opener have advanced in 21 of 24 instances.

In the NL, the Chicago Cubs face a steep climb against the San Diego Padres. After being shellacked in Game 1 by Michael King, the Cubs will turn to RHP Kevin Gausman for Game 2. Gausman, a trade deadline acquisition with a 2.93 ERA in the 2025 postseason, has recently dealt with a left (non-throwing) shoulder injury, though he reported encouraging results from a recent mound workout, per MLB. The Padres will counter with RHP Nick Pivetta, who recently returned from a right elbow flexor strain. While the Cubs' offense led the majors in OPS during the regular season and ranks third in OPS against right-handed pitchers, they must overcome a Padres bullpen that remained largely rested after Game 1, including Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon, according to MLB and CBS Sports.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies are reeling from a Game 1 loss to the Braves. CBS Sports reports that interim manager Don Mattingly's decision to use closer Jhoan Duran in the seventh inning backfired when Austin Riley hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the eighth. The Phillies will start Cy Young candidate Cristopher Sánchez in Game 2, facing Braves pitcher Tyler Mahle. While the Phillies have the pitching advantage, CBS Sports notes their offense has struggled, recording only 13 runs over their last six games.

In the AL, the Boston Red Sox face a difficult path against the New York Yankees. After being dominated by Cam Schlittler in Game 1, Boston will start veteran Sonny Gray against Max Fried. CBS Sports highlights that the Red Sox offense has struggled significantly, ranking 19th in OPS overall this season and dead last in September. Boston's challenges are compounded by a nagging hand injury to young outfielder Roman Anthony, who had to leave the series opener. The Yankees enter Game 2 with a rested bullpen, having avoided the use of David Bednar, Brent Headrick, and Carlos Rodón in the opener, according to CBS Sports.