The Arizona Diamondbacks travel to Petco Park to face the San Diego Padres on Saturday, September 26, with first pitch set for 8:40 PM ET. San Diego will send Walker Buehler to the mound in what amounts to a late-season NL West contest with real divisional implications. Arizona's starter has not been confirmed, adding a layer of intrigue to a matchup that the D-backs need to take seriously with the regular season winding down.

Pitching Matchup: Buehler Takes the Ball for San Diego

Walker Buehler gets the nod for the Padres, though ERA and win-loss figures for this season are unavailable entering the contest. Buehler is a name that commands respect — a right-hander with a track record of delivering in meaningful games. Arizona's club will need to put together a disciplined, patient approach at the plate to keep this one close.

Arizona's starting pitcher remains unannounced. That uncertainty is worth monitoring before first pitch. Whoever takes the mound for the D-backs will face a Padres lineup that is stacked from top to bottom.

San Diego Lineup Presents Real Challenges

The Padres are running out a formidable nine. Fernando Tatis Jr. leads off from right field, setting the table for a middle of the order that includes Manny Machado at third base and Jackson Merrill in center field batting cleanup. Xander Bogaerts slots in at seventh, and teenage catcher Ethan Salas bats ninth — a lineup with no easy outs.

Arizona will counter with Ketel Marte hitting second, Corbin Carroll in right field batting fifth, and Nolan Arenado at third base batting sixth. Lars Nootbaar leads off for the D-backs, with Gabriel Moreno in the DH spot and Geraldo Perdomo hitting cleanup at shortstop.

Keys to Watch for Arizona

• Starter clarity: Arizona needs to know who is taking the ball. Bullpen management late in a September road game could be decisive if the starter situation is unsettled.
• Ketel Marte's at-bats: Marte batting second is a critical cog. His ability to get on base and set the table — or drive in Nootbaar — could define Arizona's offensive rhythm early.
• Corbin Carroll vs. a veteran arm: Carroll in the five-hole against a pitcher like Buehler is a matchup to watch. His plate discipline and speed on the bases could create damage in a close game.
• Nolan Arenado's presence: Arenado's postseason-caliber experience batting sixth gives Arizona lineup depth that San Diego has to respect even with two outs.
• Silencing the top of San Diego's order: Tatis Jr. leading off is a threat every single time he steps in. Arizona's pitching must limit his damage early to avoid big innings.

Prediction

This is a tough road assignment. Petco Park is one of the more pitcher-friendly venues in the National League, and Buehler on the mound gives San Diego a real edge. Until Arizona's starter is confirmed, the D-backs are operating with a question mark at the most important position on the field. The lineup has the talent to compete — Marte, Carroll, and Arenado can hurt any pitching staff — but winning on the road in San Diego without a confirmed arm is a significant ask. Expect a competitive, low-scoring game. Edge: Padres, 4-2.

Catch the game on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM or DBACKS.TV.