Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Craig Counsell bench Pedro Ramirez for Game 2 against the Padres?
Ramirez struggled in Game 1 and had been slumping since September, batting just .203 in the final month of the regular season. He also posted a weak .237/.298/.364 slash line against right-handed pitching, which was a major concern facing the Padres.
Who is starting at third base for the Cubs in Game 2?
Matt Shaw is starting at third base for the Cubs in Game 2 at Petco Park. He replaces rookie Pedro Ramirez as the Cubs face elimination in the Wild Card series.
How has Matt Shaw performed against right-handed pitching this season?
Shaw has struggled against righties, going 18-for-90 with a 79 wRC+ and a .200/.284/.356 slash line in 104 plate appearances. Since returning from the injured list in late August, he went just 3-for-21 against right-handed pitchers.
Is Kevin Gausman healthy enough to start Game 2 for the Cubs?
Gausman is not 100% healthy after banging up his left shoulder last week at Wrigley Field against the Miami Marlins, but he is still taking the mound for the Cubs in Game 2.
What are the Cubs' odds of coming back after losing Game 1 of the Wild Card?
The odds are steep — teams that win Game 1 of the Wild Card since 2022 are 15-1 in the opening round of the postseason. The Cubs are trying to overcome those enormous odds in this best-of-three series.
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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