With the Giants still alive in the NL West race, ace Jason Schmidt will start against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night. Schmidt hasn't pitched since tweaking a groin injury against Los Angeles on Sept. 17. That forced him out after five innings. Schmidt is 12-6 with a 4.29 ERA. Pedro Astacio (3-2) is scheduled to start for San Diego on Wednesday. After rallying to win 3-2 Monday night, the Giants trailed the NL West-leading Padres by three games. San Diego's magic number for clinching the division was four going into Tuesday night's game, meaning San Diego could wrap it up by winning two of the final three games of the series.