A potential playoff preview is on tap this evening in Wisconsin. The Padres (24-17) currently find themselves atop the NL West. Every win matters for San Diego with the defending champion Dodgers in second place. As for the Brewers (23-16), reaching the postseason won’t be easy in the loaded NL Central. However, Milwaukee comes into Wednesday having won five straight games.

The Brewers are favorites (-156) over the Padres, with the over/under set at seven runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Wednesday’s showdown between San Diego and Milwaukee on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Padres vs. Brewers prediction, preview

We have quite the pitching matchup on tap this evening. For the visitors, it’ll be Michael King toeing the slab. When active, the hurler has a strong argument to be considered San Diego’s ace. Through 45.2 innings this season, the right-hander owns a 2.76 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 45 strikeouts. Among those with at least 200.0 innings pitched since 2024, King’s 3.04 ERA ranks as the 13th-best in baseball during that time. Health permitting, the veteran is one of the sport’s most underrated starters.

A trip to American Family Field, a pitcher-friendly venue, should only help King tonight. Still, navigating this Brewers lineup could prove difficult; they’re scoring the third-most runs per game at home (5.55). San Diego’s hurler loves to mix and match, utilizing five different pitches. His three favorite offerings this season have been the sinker (27%), changeup (27%) and sweeper (21%). Against that trio of pitches, Milwaukee hitters have produced a lackluster .295 wOBA. The Brewers have scored 54 runs over their previous ten contests, tied for second-most in the majors during that stretch.

Milwaukee may not need to score more than a few runs this evening. Jacob Misiorowski is already ascending up the ranks of baseball’s most dominant arms. During his last time out, the second-year pro tossed six scoreless innings vs. the Yankees. Even more impressive, he struck out 11 New York batters. This season, the fireballer has notched a 2.45 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and MLB-leading 70 strikeouts. Another quality matchup at home could be in store for the 24-year-old against San Diego. The Padres have put up a meager .678 OPS against right-handed pitching, sixth-worst in baseball.

Speaking of that lineup, the Padres are a bit of a mixed bag. There’s certainly name power for this group, equipped with six former All-Stars. However, just three members of the roster with at least 100 plate appearances have a wRC+ above 100. Among those struggling, Fernando Tatis Jr. stands out. Through 40 games, the three-time All-Star still has yet to hit a home run. Unsurprisingly, the outfielder has posted a dismal .293 slugging percentage. Fellow big bat Manny Machado (85 wRC+) hasn’t looked much better at the plate. Misiorowski throws his fastball 61% of the time, with an average velocity of 99.5 MPH (!). Against pitches at that speed or faster, San Diego is batting .152.

Padres vs. Brewers pick, best bet

There should be an October-esque atmosphere on Wednesday with these two teams, and these two pitchers, taking the field. Misiorowski has proven he’s no fluke, flummoxing some of the best lineups in baseball. Milwaukee’s success at home (14-8) can’t be ignored, either. King is a tough assignment, but the Brewers have the edge on the mound and on offense in this one.

Best Bet: Brewers -1.5 (+149)