Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Caleb Thielbar left off the Cubs Wild Card roster?
Thielbar struggled in his second year with the Cubs, allowing 11 home runs in 58 games and posting a 4.86 ERA in 50 innings. That's a significant drop-off from his dominant 2025 season when he had a 2.64 ERA with 56 strikeouts in 58 innings.
Is Kevin Gausman healthy enough to pitch in the Wild Card series?
Yes, Gausman recovered after banging up his non-throwing shoulder last week at Wrigley Field and is on the Wild Card roster. He is expected to start Game 2 of the series against the San Diego Padres.
Who is starting Game 1 for the Cubs in the Wild Card series?
Matthew Boyd is the Game 1 starter for the Cubs on Tuesday night against the San Diego Padres.
Why is Edward Cabrera not on the Cubs Wild Card roster?
Cabrera was demoted to the bullpen after his second trip to the injured list due to a blister, and he also missed the final regular-season series after being placed on the Family Emergency List. He allowed five runs on five hits and four walks in just four innings after returning from the IL in September.
Who is Gabriel Arias and why is he considered a mild surprise on the roster?
Gabriel Arias is a backup infielder who made the Cubs' 26-man Wild Card roster, which was considered a mild surprise. The Cubs ended up carrying 12 pitchers, and Arias claimed the final spot on the bench.
Aldo Soto
With a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University and a decade of Cubs reporting, my work has appeared on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and the Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast. I cover Cubs news and analysis for Sports Mockery, including roster moves, game breakdowns, and prospect development.
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