Matthew Boyd catches the ball in Game 1 of the World Championship for the Cubs against the Padres

He had the ball on Opening Day, and he’ll have the ball in San Diego tomorrow night. Veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd will take the mound for the Cubs against the Padres in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series, according to Craig Counsell.

Under these circumstances, I can dig it. And, indeed, once Kevin Gausman dove for that ball last week, thereby injuring his (non-throwing) shoulder, the writing was on the wall.

Matthew Boyd, Game 1 starter

Consider the Cubs’ other options: Clay Holmes has been a bit iffy lately (and is otherwise likely to play in Game 2), Shota Imanaga could work his way through the series, but maybe not as a “starter.” And the same goes for David Peterson, who probably deserved it as much as anyone else in the rotation. I hope we see it this week.

Add in the fact that tomorrow is normal rest for Boyd *and* that the Padres are weaker against left-handed pitchers, and it makes even more sense. It also doesn’t hurt that Boyd finished the regular season on a relatively nice stretch of games: 3.28 ERA over his last six starts (35.2 IP).

All things considered, this is the right path to take.

Matthew Boyd has faced the Padres twice so far this season, getting blown out against them in San Diego in April (4.0 IP, 8H, 5ER, 2BB, 4K), before doing a bit better towards the end of June (5.0 IP, 8H, 3ER, 0BB, 2K).

Here’s a look at the game history between Matthew Boyd and some of the Padres’ key players:

• Alexandre Bogaerts: 4-20, HR, 2BB, 3K
• Manny Machado: 9-19, 4 2B, HR, 0BB, 3K
• Fernando Tatis Jr.: 3-12, HR, 0BB, 2K

Boyd’s season was a bit rough, as he suffered multiple injuries, including knee surgery. But as I mentioned above, he’s looked stronger over the last five to six weeks and checks a lot of other boxes, from veteran and playoff experience, to left-handedness, to availability. The Cubs rotation is a hodgepodge of imperfect options for ONE game, but it appears the Cubs made the most obvious choice in picking Boyd.

If I had to guess, the Cubs will likely limit Boyd to no more than two plays under the order. Not only is that the approach for most starters in this era of postseason baseball, but it might make more sense for a team like the Cubs, whose postseason roster will likely feature a handful of “extra” starter types. Whether the Cubs want to stick with another lefty (like Imanaga or Peterson) after Boyd or go with one of their righties (Javier Assad? Colin Rea? Maybe even Clay Holmes?), I’m not sure. But I just wouldn’t expect to see Boyd deep in this match.

It’s not yet clear who will start Game 2, but it will likely depend on how Kevin Gausman feels and who is actually used in Game 1.

Update: Counsell actually answered exactly that and it looked like the Cubs were planning to roll with Kevin Gausman in Game 2.

“We’re picking Matthew Boyd. I mean, plain and simple. Gausman is going to start this series. If you don’t start Game 1, then you might be next.”

The Padres, meanwhile, will start Michael King tomorrow. We’ll know a lot more about him, his chances against the Cubs and this game as a whole tomorrow.