Cubs Turn to Veteran Matthew Boyd for Wild Card Showdown Against Padres
The Chicago Cubs have officially named their starting pitcher for the highly anticipated wild card opener against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. With the postseason upon us, the Cubs find themselves in a precarious situation, having lost key players to injuries, most notably rookie sensation Cade Horton.
Injury Struggles Shake the Rotation
Cade Horton, who had emerged as the Cubs’ go-to starter for the playoffs, is now sidelined due to fractured ribs. This injury comes as a significant blow to the team, especially after the pitching staff had already been affected by the absence of Justin Steele, who has been out for the season since April, and Jameson Taillon. Horton’s setback is yet another gut punch, leaving fans and players alike concerned about the team’s prospects.
Despite the challenges, the Cubs remain hopeful. The absence of Horton does not necessarily signal doom; the team believes they can still secure a series victory against the Padres. The anticipation surrounding the announcement of Horton’s replacement has been palpable, and the choice has been made: veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd will take the mound for game one.
Matthew Boyd: A Season of Ups and Downs
Matthew Boyd has been a pivotal figure in the Cubs’ rotation this season, though his recent performances have raised eyebrows. Over his last three starts, Boyd has struggled, allowing ten earned runs while striking out just nine batters. The Cubs will need him to revert to the form he displayed earlier in the year if they hope to advance in the postseason.
In the opener, Boyd faces a formidable opponent in Padres’ starter Nick Pivetta. This matchup features two experienced pitchers, but Pivetta comes in with the edge in strikeouts, boasting 190 this season, alongside an impressive 2.87 ERA. Boyd, on the other hand, has recorded 154 strikeouts and holds a respectable 3.21 ERA.
Looking Ahead: Possible Pitching Plans
As of now, Boyd is the only confirmed starter for the series, but the Cubs’ pitching plans remain fluid. Fans may see Shota Imanaga make an appearance, though it is more likely that either Jameson Taillon or Colin Rea will get their first playoff start in the coming days.
Boyd has had success against the Padres in the past, evidenced by his performance in 2025, where he logged 11.1 innings with a 1.59 ERA and a 17% strikeout rate. As the Cubs gear up for this must-win matchup, the hope is that Boyd can channel that past success and lead the team to a crucial victory in their quest for postseason glory.
