Chicago Cubs starting lineup stuns Brewers (and fans) ahead of NLDS Game 2

Given how stagnant the Chicago Cubs' offense has looked in the playoffs, it seemed inevitable that Craig Counsell was going to look for a way to shake things up at some point during the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers. Counsell and the Cubs arrived at that point ahead of Game 2 as veteran Justin Turner not only got the start over Michael Busch at first base, but will also serve as the team's leadoff hitter.

It's worth mentioning that the Brewers are using an opener for Game 2, handing the ball to left-handed relief pitcher Aaron Ashby. The expectation is that the Brewers will turn to right-handed starting pitcher Quinn Priester as early as the second inning. It appears that the plan is for Michael Busch to enter the game once Ashby is out.

Craig Counsell just made a shocking Cubs lineup move for Game 2

Much of the 2025 season has felt like Turner's retirement tour, considering it seemed that his voice in the clubhouse is what kept him with the team. That said, Turner has found some success against left-handed pitching this season. In 98 plate appearances against lefties this season, Turner has a slash line of .276/.330/.429 with a wRC+ of 112.

With Kyle Tucker locked into the designated hitter spot in the Cubs' lineup, using Turner like the way Counsell is doing seems to be the only way the lineup could look different. As much as there is a case to be made for Moises Ballesteros to get in the game, the Cubs don't have the flexibility at the moment.

In theory, Monday's move does back sense, considering Turner is the favorable matchup against a left-handed pitcher. The issue comes with how soon Counsell takes Turner out of the game. When Ashby departs, the game is the logical guess, but what would happen if the Cubs have two outs in the first inning with Turner on second base? Would Counsell burn another bench option in the first inning? That is the risk when it comes to applying the "opener" theory to a position player. Nonetheless, Counsell isn't afraid of making polarizing moves.