Frequently Asked Questions
Who is starting Game 1 for the Chicago Cubs against the San Diego Padres?
Craig Counsell named Matthew Boyd the Game 1 starter for the Cubs in the Wild Card Series against the Padres. Boyd is a veteran lefty who has been one of the most reliable starters in baseball since July.
How many innings has Matthew Boyd pitched since July?
Boyd has pitched 93 innings in his last 15 starts since July, tied with Tarik Skubal for the most innings pitched in that span. He also pitched at least six innings in 11 of those 15 starts.
What has Matthew Boyd's ERA been in his recent starts?
Boyd has posted a 3.28 ERA in his last six starts, along with a 2.99 FIP, suggesting he has been limiting damage effectively despite a decrease in strikeouts. He has also given up just one home run in the last 35.2 innings of work.
What is the Cubs' plan if Boyd doesn't pitch deep into Game 1?
The Cubs have significant rotation depth, with starters like Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, Shota Imanaga, David Peterson, Javier Assad, and Aaron Civale all capable of pitching multiple innings in relief. Counsell could use these starters mid-game to shorten Boyd's workload and reduce reliance on the bullpen.
Did Matthew Boyd face the Padres in the 2025 postseason?
Yes, Boyd started Game 1 against the Padres at Wrigley Field in 2025 and was pitching well before being pulled after allowing a one-out single in the fifth inning, before he could face San Diego's lineup for a third time.
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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