The Chicago Cubs’ schedule doesn’t get any easier.

The San Diego Padres, who advanced to the National League Championship Series last season, will visit Wrigley Field for a key three-game series.

This is where the Cubs’ depth will be clutch as they continue to face good teams.

Tuesday, April 25 at 6:40 CT
Blake Snell (0-3, 6.00 ERA) vs. Justin Steele (3-0, 1.44 ERA)

Steele has not only been one of the most pleasant surprises for the Cubs but the entire National League. No one could have predicted this much early success from Steele, who has been tremendous. With Nico Hoerner firmly entrenched in the leadoff role, the Cubs will enter this series with quite a bit of confidence.

Wednesday, April 26 at 6:40 CT
Michael Wacha (2-1, 7.08 ERA) vs. Drew Smyly (2-1, 3.13 ERA)

In Smyly’s last start, he nearly threw a perfect game. He tossed 7 2/3 innings and allowed just one hit to go along with 10 strikeouts. Smyly will be opposed by Wacha, who’s a much better pitcher than his ERA indicates. Wacha has struggled with command and this could be a golden opportunity for the Cubs’ offense to come through with some much-needed early runs to support Smyly.

Thursday, April 27 at 1:20 CT
Seth Lugo (2-1, 2.78 ERA) vs. Hayden Wesneski (1-1, 6.23 ERA)

This pitching matchup clearly favors the Padres. Wesneski pitched very well in spring training and impressed the Cubs’ staff. In his regular season starts, there has been a lack of execution. Wesneski’s location has been off. This is a great chance to show the Cubs what he’s capable of in a big game.

Remember when Blake Snell went 21-5 with a 1.89 ERA in 2018?

Many that is true, but an incomplete statement.

Many that is true, but an incomplete statement.

That guy talking trash in the background is pretty funny

Many that is true, but an incomplete statement.

I legit lol in the 2nd or 3rd when he offered Hosmer a job when he gets dfa'd next week.

Many that is true, but an incomplete statement.

Grabbed a ticket for tonight for $6 off of Gametime app. I realize It'll be cold, but it'll be nice to get out to a game.

Many that is true, but an incomplete statement.

Its a good pitching matchup.

Lol, I had a this ends in Crystal Lake a few years back. Too bad my car was parked in Barrington! Had to catch a train back the other way. Hard to believe one could pass out on those uncomfortable Metra trains, but I guess I drank enough.

Usually it takes 90 meetings.

a pittmike joke would have worked too

This guy won't be in AA for very long

Both teams with two out magic in the fourth.

Grandpa wanted the left and left matchup to pull AA.

Hosmer's hugging all the Padres who make it to first base. Boog and Taylor are blubbering how much Hosmer's loved by his teammates.' JD pushes back with "there's no quantitative proof that chemistry has any impact on winning" bringing up the old A's and Yankees that hated each other but won. And JD's done this before when they bring up the Marquee signature culture thing. In