Cubs Rely on Matthew Boyd for Postseason Start Against Padres

The Chicago Cubs have decided to begin their postseason with left-hander Matthew Boyd on the mound. Boyd, who started Game 1 in the previous year’s wild-card series against the San Diego Padres, will face the Padres again on Tuesday at Petco Park. Despite considering right-hander Kevin Gausman, the Cubs opted for Boyd.

In the previous series, Boyd limited the Padres to one run over 4 1/3 innings at Wrigley Field. After the team’s workout on Monday, manager Craig Counsell shared his confidence in Boyd, stating that though the season’s start was challenging for him, Boyd has regained his routine and consistency. Counsell praised his playoff experience, anticipating a solid performance.

Since recovering from meniscus surgery on June 25, Boyd has achieved a 3.42 ERA in his last 17 starts, allowing three earned runs or fewer in 12 of those outings. Counsell has not disclosed who will start Games 2 or 3, though Gausman is expected to pitch during the series. Gausman’s availability was uncertain due to a left shoulder injury in his final regular-season game, making a Tuesday start unrealistic for him.

The Cubs plan to carry 12 pitchers on their wild-card roster. Another left-hander, Shota Imanaga, might play a role in the series, though his exact role—starter or reliever—is unclear. Right-hander Clay Holmes, while not at his peak recently, is anticipated to contribute significantly in some capacity this series, either starting or covering multiple innings from the bullpen.

With a best-of-three series format, Counsell has the flexibility to deploy pitchers as needed, including using starters in relief or for brief appearances. The main objective for the Cubs is getting 27 outs and managing the order of relievers according to the matchups.

“The order that that happens — starter, reliever, closer, setup man — those words don’t matter. We’re just trying to get 27 outs,” Counsell emphasized.

The Cubs’ pitching strategy for following games depends on their success in Game 1. A loss would require all available pitchers for Game 2 on Wednesday. Counsell mentioned the necessity of adapting their approach, focusing less on the aesthetics and more on securing victories within the three-day window.

The rematch with the Padres brings an additional challenge for the Cubs due to a venue change. The Padres boast a strong home record of 51-30 at Petco Park. This record contrasts with their 40-41 performance on the road. Alex Bregman’s potential return to third base remains undecided. He has been playing as the designated hitter due to multiple facial fractures. His participation was boosted by taking grounders during a live batting practice session on Monday, which is promising for the team.

As Pete Crow-Armstrong expressed, seeing Bregman back so soon after his injuries inspires the team. He noted Bregman’s passion and dedication to the game, highlighting the determination fueling his return.