Who are the starting pitchers for Brewers and Padres in NLDS Game 3?

In the upcoming NLDS Game 3 between the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres, two right-handed veterans with playoff experience are set to face off as starting pitchers. The Milwaukee Brewers will rely on Dustin May, while the San Diego Padres will have Nick Pivetta starting the game on October 6 at Petco Park.

Dustin May, a 29-year-old pitcher, boasts a 7-9 record with a 4.70 earned run average (ERA) in 31 starts. He has struck out 144 batters across 145 and 2/3 innings pitched, with a WHIP of 1.318. His 14 home runs and 50 walks indicate his power and ability to extend games. With seven years of MLB experience and nine games of playoff experience, May has faced the Padres before, allowing three earned runs across three starts and 22 innings during his tenure with the Cardinals.

In his last appearance on September 26, he allowed two runs in three innings against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Nick Pivetta, a 33-year-old right-handed pitcher, will take the mound for the San Diego Padres. He has a 3-2 record with a 2.86 ERA in eight starts. Pivetta has struck out 42 batters in 34 and 2/3 innings pitched, with a WHIP of 1.010. His two home runs and eight walks demonstrate his dual-threat capabilities. Pivetta has 10 years of MLB experience and five games of playoff experience.

He faced the Brewers in 2026 but did not have a notable encounter with them. After missing four months due to a right elbow flexor strain, Pivetta returned in September and allowed only three runs in four starts (18 and 2/3 innings). Upon entering the game on October 6, Pivetta will focus on pitching without discussing game plans.