Following Game 1's 3-1 win over the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced that the team will utilize an opener for Wednesday's Game 2 at Wrigley Field. That means left-handed pitcher Shōta Imanaga, who was lined up to start the second game of the Wild Card series, will come in until at least the second inning.
Veteran reliever Andrew Kittredge will be the opener for the Cubs.
Kittredge, who was acquired at the trade deadline in a deal with the Baltimore Orioles, finished the final couple months of the regular season with a 3.32 ERA in 23 appearances with the Cubs. The righty struck out 31 batters and had a 0.83 WHIP in 21.2 innings, while recording five saves and holds out of the bullpen.
In Game 1 against the Padres, Kittredge tossed a scoreless eighth inning, retiring Freddy Fermin, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Arraez in order.
Imanaga, who is in his second year with the Cubs, has struggled down the stretch. The lefty was crushed in September, when he allowed 10 home runs in 27.2 innings. Ever since Imanaga returned from the injured list in late June he's given up at least two home runs in eight of 17 starts and one home run in all but four games since June 26.
In 25 total starts this year Imanaga has posted a 7.20 ERA, giving up 20 earned runs on 29 hits, including nine home runs in the first inning combined. The first-inning troubles have been a trend as of late for the lefty as Imanaga has been charged with 10 earned runs during his last six starts.
The Cubs were able to erase a 1-0 deficit in Game 1 against the Padres, but you certainly don't want to fall behind and give San Diego the chance to hand the ball over to their strong bullpen with a lead, so it's not really a surprise to see Counsell try to work the matchups in his favor with the struggles of Imanaga.
Meanwhile, Dylan Cease will start on Wednesday for the Padres.
