Boyd tabbed as Cubs' first 'out-getter' for Game 1 vs. Padres

SAN DIEGO – Handing the ball to Matthew Boyd to begin a National League Wild Card Series against the Padres worked out well a year ago at Wrigley Field. The veteran lefty subdued San Diego’s lineup and put the North Siders on a path to the next round with an opening victory.

In this Wild Card rematch a year later at Petco Park, Cubs manager Craig Counsell is leaning on Boyd once again to set the tone in Game 1 on Tuesday night.

“Playoff starts are a challenge,” Counsell said during Monday’s workout at the Padres’ home ballpark. “Matthew’s experienced in that and had good experiences last year with it for us. And we’ll look for him to do the same tomorrow.”

Counsell is not ready to reveal how the Cubs might proceed with their pitching plans after Boyd. As has become standard practice for Chicago’s manager, he kept any future decisions close to the vest and once again leaned on the description “out-getters” for every pitcher who makes the NL Wild Card roster.

Essentially, Counsell throws labels out the window at this time of year, and especially during a best-of-three series. The manager views the other starters – Kevin Gausman, Shota Imanaga, Clay Holmes and David Peterson – as “bulk” arms who can cover multiple innings in any capacity.

The Cubs’ pitchers are on board with that approach, too.

“We really believe in our group. We believe in all of us,” Boyd said. “And we’ve been throwing the ball well. It’s one of those things where it’s like, collectively, whatever outs we’re called to get, we’ll be ready to get them.”

Gausman was a candidate to take the ball in Game 1, but the right-hander is still dealing with lingering soreness in his non-throwing shoulder after a diving tag play in his start on Wednesday. He threw a bullpen session on Sunday and continues to trend up, but the Cubs did not feel a Game 1 start was the right approach, given the circumstances.

That said, Counsell noted that Gausman is available to pitch and remains a contender to start in Game 2, or a potential Game 3. The same goes for Imanaga, who only logged 12 pitches in a one-inning appearance in Sunday’s season finale against the Red Sox. Counsell said the lefty would be available for any of the games in San Diego.

Holmes and Peterson started each game in a doubleheader against the Red Sox on Friday and, in theory, either could start or come out of the bullpen. They have experience in both roles in their respective careers.

“When you get into a two-out-of-three series to play the next game, your thoughts have got to change a little bit,” Counsell said. “You have 27 outs. We’ve just got to figure out how to get 27 outs. And the order that that happens – starter, reliever, closer, setup man – those words don’t matter. We’re just trying to get 27 outs.”

Boyd is the first, crucial piece to the puzzle.

This season, the 35-year-old Boyd went 10-5 with a 3.91 ERA in 22 starts overall, ending with 96 strikeouts against 39 walks in 126 2/3 innings. He missed nearly all of May and June following in-season knee surgery to repair his left meniscus. In the 17 starts that followed his comeback, Boyd spun a 3.42 ERA in 102 2/3 innings.

“Obviously, the first two months of the season were certainly interrupted and not smooth,” Counsell said. “But I think since then, he’s gotten into a routine and consistency. That is kind of what I think Matthew offers – just that consistency.”

In Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Padres last year, Boyd allowed just one run in 4 1/3 innings to help set up a 3-1 victory. Chicago went on to win the series in three games. Over the course of his career, the lefty has turned in a 1.66 ERA in seven postseason games between stints with Seattle, Cleveland and Chicago.

Boyd knows he has a challenge coming with this current Padres squad, which won 17 of their last 20 games to soar to the top of the Wild Card race.

“The Padres are one of the hottest teams in baseball the past few weeks,” Boyd said. “That’s not surprising. We’ve seen them firsthand – this year, last year. I always firmly believe that it’s more about what’s in this clubhouse and less about what’s on the other side. Take care of your business. Understand your strengths in those situations. And go for it.”