Cubs Select Matthew Boyd to Lead as Game 1 Starter Against Brewers in NLDS Battle

Chicago Cubs Prepare for NL Division Series Against Milwaukee Brewers

MILWAUKEE — The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for an exciting NL Division Series matchup against their rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers. As anticipation builds, the Cubs have confirmed their starting pitcher for Game 1: veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd, who has been a pivotal player throughout the season.

Matthew Boyd: Key Pitcher for the Cubs

The Cubs announced on Friday that Boyd will take the mound in the opening game. Boyd previously started in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres, where he delivered an impressive performance, pitching 4.1 innings and allowing just one run on four hits and a walk. His strong presence on the mound proved instrumental in setting the tone for the Cubs during that best-of-three series.

The Cubs’ Strategy and Rotation for the NLDS

With this upcoming series being a best-of-five, Boyd will be starting on only three days of rest after his last outing. However, given that he threw only 58 pitches in his previous game and was warming up in the bullpen during the Cubs’ decisive win at Wrigley Field, the team is confident in his ability to deliver a solid performance in Game 1.

The 34-year-old southpaw has been a consistent figure in the rotation throughout the season, leading the Cubs in several key categories:

• Starts: 31
• Innings Pitched: 179.2
• Wins: 14
• Strikeouts: 154

This season marks the best of Boyd’s 11-year MLB career, boasting an impressive 3.21 ERA and 1.09 WHIP.

Possible Pitching Options and Team Dynamics

Despite having multiple options for Game 1, including Colin Rea, who pitched just 15 times during the wild-card series, the Cubs opted for Boyd. Manager Craig Counsell stated, “We’re going into this with a couple plans,” emphasizing the team’s ability to adapt based on the performance of their pitchers during practice. With the NLDS extending to a five-game format, the Cubs will likely adjust their roster to include an even split between position players and pitchers.

Game Schedule and Opportunities

The Cubs have the advantage of several off-days throughout the series to optimize their pitching lineup. The schedule for the series is as follows:

Given this schedule, the Cubs can potentially utilize their starting pitchers, including Boyd, effectively throughout the series, optimizing rest periods and game strategies. As they prepare for the rivalry showdown, the Cubs are poised to execute their tactics firmly and decisively.