The Chicago Cubs suffered a pretty big blow to their playoff roster this past weekend, when star rookie Cade Horton was placed on the 15-day injured list because of a rib fracture. Veteran Matthew Boyd was named the Game 1 starter against the San Diego Padres and he’s certainly a capable replacement for Craig Counsell. The Cubs released their 26-man roster for the Wild Card series and although the team elected to go with an extra position player, Counsell is well equipped to be ultra aggressive out of the bullpen in the best-of-three series.
Shōta Imanaga and Jameson Taillon will most likely follow Boyd in the series with Taillon starting if a Game 3 is needed. Meanwhile, without Horton available the Cubs have three pitchers who can throw starter innings out of the bullpen in case any of the starters get in early trouble.
Colin Rea and Aaron Civale could potentially play a big role this week against the Padres as long relievers. Rea had an excellent year filling in at the back end of the rotation, finishing the regular season with a 3.95 ERA in 159.1 innings. That included a 2.63 ERA in five September starts. Civale was scooped up from the White Sox late in the year and he was impressive in five appearances, posting a 2.08 ERA and 0.54 WHIP in 13 innings, striking out 14 and walking none.
There’s also Michael Soroka, who made 17 starts this year before a shoulder injury sidelined him for six weeks. He may not be as stretched out as Rea or Civale, but Soroka could probably come in and pitch a couple innings if needed.
So, don’t be surprised if Counsell has a quick hook with his starters.
No real big surprises on the 26-man roster. Great to see rookie Moises Ballesteros earn a spot with a great showing in September. Meanwhile, another rookie in Kevin Alcántara was added as an extra position player.
