Petco Park hosts Game 2 of the 2026 NL Wild Card Series and the Padres lineup card lists 19-year-old Ethan Salas as catcher. The move makes him the youngest catcher to start a postseason game in MLB history. The matchup also sets up a late-inning duel with Cubs high-leverage reliever Daniel Palencia. The decision is read as win-now urgency colliding with long-term prospect protection.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who is Daniel Palencia facing in Game 2?
- A: Cubs high-leverage reliever Daniel Palencia is set for a late-inning duel with Padres 19-year-old catcher Ethan Salas, the youngest postseason starter in MLB history.
- Q: Why is starting Ethan Salas controversial?
- A: It signals win-now urgency for the Padres but raises concerns about exposing a top long-term prospect to postseason pressure against a power arm like Daniel Palencia.
- Q: Where is the 2026 NL Wild Card Game 2 played?
- A: Game 2 is hosted at Petco Park in San Diego.