The Arizona Diamondbacks head to Petco Park on Friday, September 25, 2026, for a 9:40 PM ET clash against the San Diego Padres. Brandon Pfaadt gets the ball for Arizona in a game that carries real late-season weight. The Padres counter with a lineup loaded from top to bottom, and San Diego has yet to name a probable starter. Fans can catch the action on DBACKS.TV or listen live on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

Pitching Matchup: Pfaadt on the Road With No Known Opponent

Brandon Pfaadt draws the start for the D-backs, and the Padres have not announced a probable pitcher as of this writing. That unknown makes game-planning difficult for Arizona, but it also signals some level of roster flexibility — or uncertainty — on San Diego's end. Pfaadt has been a cornerstone of this rotation, and a road start in a loud, hostile environment like Petco Park will be a legitimate test of where his game is at this deep into September.

San Diego Lineup Pfaadt Must Navigate

The Padres are sending out a formidable lineup. Fernando Tatis Jr. leads off from second base, giving San Diego an explosive table-setter with plus power. Dustin Harris bats second in right field, followed by Manny Machado hitting third as the designated hitter — Machado's presence in the heart of the order means Pfaadt cannot afford to leave pitches out over the plate. Ty France slots in at cleanup at first base, and Jackson Merrill bats fifth out of center field.

• Fernando Tatis Jr. — 2B (leadoff)
• Dustin Harris — RF
• Manny Machado — DH
• Ty France — 1B
• Jackson Merrill — CF
• Xander Bogaerts — SS
• Luis Campusano — C
• Jake Cronenworth — 3B
• Samad Taylor — LF

Xander Bogaerts bats sixth at shortstop and brings professional at-bats that can extend innings. Luis Campusano catches and hits seventh. Jake Cronenworth drops to third base and bats eighth, with Samad Taylor rounding out the order in left. This is not a lineup with soft spots — Pfaadt will need to be sharp from the first inning through however deep he goes.

Keys to Watch for the Diamondbacks

Pfaadt's Command in a Road Environment

Petco Park is not an easy place to pitch from the visitor's dugout perspective — but it is also not easy to hit in. If Pfaadt can establish his fastball early and keep the Padres from working deep counts, Arizona has a shot to keep this game close and let the bullpen finish the job.

Arizona's Offense Against an Unknown Arm

With the Padres' starter still undeclared, the D-backs' lineup will need to stay disciplined and adjust in real time. First-inning reads and early plate appearances will be critical for establishing what they're working against.

Getting Through the Middle of the San Diego Order

Tatis, Machado, and France represent a genuine danger zone in the lineup. Pfaadt's ability to limit damage when those three come up — especially with runners on base — will likely determine the outcome of this game.

Prediction

This is a tough road spot with a loaded lineup waiting and no opposing starter to prepare for. Pfaadt is capable of keeping Arizona in this game, but the D-backs will need timely hitting against whoever San Diego rolls out. Expect a tight, competitive game that comes down to late innings. Arizona 4, San Diego 3.