Chicago Cubs heading into unique schedule stretch beginning Friday

San Diego Padres, April 25-27

Last but certainly not least, the Cubs will play host to the undeniably underachieving San Diego Padres. Showcasing the third-highest payroll in the majors, the Padres currently stand at .500. Yes, the season is still in its infancy. On the other hand, San Diego remains scorned by an embarrassing loss in last year's NLCS. According to MLB.com, the Padres are slated as the seventh-best pitching rotation, even after losing Mike Clevinger in free agency. All time, the Cubs are 278-232 versus San Diego. Looking for its 150th win versus the Padres at Wrigley, this isn't a classic Tony Gwynn/Mark Grace matchup, but seeing a star-studded San Diego doesn't ever hurt.

Wrapping up, this scheduling snafu isn't historical nor important. Moreover, the newly-designed schedule invites these quirks into a franchise's typically dry, temporal season. Playing every opponent at least one series throughout the season is appreciated, especially with the current state of Major League Baseball's parity. You don't know who could sneak into the postseason, let alone shock the world and squeak into the Fall Classic.