Brewers deliver NLDS twist to Cubs with Game 2 injury update

After a historic first two innings against the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday, there was a fear that Jackson Chourio suffered a severe hamstring injury that was going to keep him sidelined for at least Game 2 of the series. Chourio was spotted working out on Sunday, and on Monday, hours before the game, Brewers manager Pat Murphy confirmed that Chourio will be in the lineup and leading off for Milwaukee.

The initial results on Chourios's MRI were inconclusive, and while the 21-year-old did suffer a strain on Saturday, it seems that the Brewers have avoided the worst-case scenario.

Brewers get massive Game 2 boost that could crush Cubs’ hopes

During the Brewers' beatdown of the Cubs on Saturday, Chourio made history by becoming the first player in Major League history to record three hits in the first two innings of a playoff game. With the struggles that Shota Imanaga had had of late, there was hope that the Cubs would catch a break on Monday and avoid the ascending Brewers' superstar.

Unlike what they did for Game 2 of the National League Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres, the Cubs are not using an opener for Shota Imanaga on Monday. Imanaga has had his share of struggles during the first inning this season, and if he is going to avoid such misery on Monday, he will need to find a way to limit Chourio's impact. In 30 plate appearances against the Cubs this season, Chourio has 1 double, 3 triples, but an OPS+ of 90 that suggests the Cubs' pitching has ensured he wasn't who beat them.

If Imanaga does struggle at the start of Monday's game, the good news is the high-leverage options in the Cubs' bullpen should be rested. Beyond that, Colin Rea is also available in the event Imanaga is unable to get through the first three innings of the game.