2026 NLDS Game 2 storylines, what to watch for

Key Points:

• The Padres and Brewers played a tightly contested Game 1, highlighted by a controversial home run and strong bullpen performances, with both teams showcasing deep relief pitching that will be crucial throughout the series.
• Padres' dominant reliever Mason Miller remains unused so far, but with bullpens already taxed, he could be called upon early in Game 2 to secure key late innings after three days' rest.
• The Brewers may rely heavily on rookie Logan Henderson for extended innings in Game 2 despite limited postseason experience, as they aim to maintain their home-field advantage against the Padres.
• The Braves face pressure to get ace Chris Sale performing at his peak in the NLDS after a shaky start to the postseason and challenging matchups against top Dodgers pitchers, including Corbin Burnes and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
• Dodgers' Kyle Tucker's two-run homer in Game 1 provided a much-needed boost for both him and the team, signaling a potential turnaround for his postseason performance and easing concerns about the aging Dodgers lineup.