By Salem Chicago News Staff
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida — Cubs manager Craig Counsell declined to reveal his pitching plans for the NL Wild Card Series against San Diego on Sunday, creating intrigue as the club prepares for Game 1 on Tuesday.
Counsell used the regular-season finale against the Red Sox to position his staff for the postseason. Left-hander Shota Imanaga started but threw just 12 pitches over one inning, keeping him fresh for possible duty as early as Game 2.
“Don’t worry about who’s going to start,” Counsell said. “Worry about how we’re going to get 27 outs. Really, that’s what is the biggest thing we’ve got to get through, and we need guys throwing the ball well to do that.”
Right-hander Kevin Gausman, who injured his left shoulder while making a diving tag in his most recent start Wednesday against the Marlins, completed a bullpen session Sunday with encouraging results. If he recovers well through Monday, he could be in play for a Game 1 start Tuesday night.
“Today was a big step in the right direction,” Gausman said. “I’m going to go out and give everything I’ve got, but if I feel like I can’t give this team a chance to win or pitch the way I know I can, then I need to be smart and think about these guys and not myself.”
Left-hander Matthew Boyd (10-5, 3.91 ERA) is the other top candidate for the series opener. Right-hander Clay Holmes (6-8, 3.29 ERA) and left-hander David Peterson (9-8, 4.79 ERA) both started in Friday’s doubleheader against the Red Sox at Fenway Park and should be available for Game 2 at the earliest.
Counsell has emphasized his approach of mapping out all 27 outs rather than fixating on a named starter. Rotation members who do not get starting nods could shift to bullpen roles.
Gausman, a veteran who has pitched in 14 playoff games across stints with the Orioles, Braves, Giants and Blue Jays, echoed the need for flexibility.
“You really have to change your mindset,” Gausman said. “Whatever you think is going to happen, you don’t know what’s going to happen. So you’ve got to be ready for anything. And that speaks for even the normal relievers. Guys are going to be asked to do things that they maybe haven’t been asked to do all season.”
The Padres have already announced Michael King (12-10, 3.21 ERA) as their Game 1 starter. Nick Pivetta (3-2, 2.86 ERA) is the likeliest candidate for Game 2, with Robbie Ray (13-8, 3.59 ERA) and Walker Buehler (9-6, 4.56 ERA) as Game 3 options.
The best-of-three series begins Tuesday at 9 p.m. CT at Petco Park.
Source: MLB.com — Cubs News
