Cubs may have to consider Clay Holmes role change that once seemed impossible to believe

The Chicago Cubs traded for Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes at the deadline with the expectation that both could serve as the first two starting pitchers for the team in a playoff series. As it turns out, that may not be the case for the Cubs ahead of their Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres.

If Gausman is healthy, he almost certainly will be a part of the Cubs' playoff rotation. The Cubs have yet to provide an update on Gausman's shoulder, and have yet to reveal who their Game 1 starter will be on Tuesday.

As for Holmes, in August, he looked liked the unquestioned ace of the rotation. September offered a different tune. Holmes had an ERA of 8.24 through his final four starts of the regular season, and he was walking over 16% of the hitters he faced. Looking beyond the obvious in saying that walks aren't ideal for any starting pitcher, it's especially true for Holmes.

Holmes is at his best when he's generating weak contact, keeping the ball on the ground, and allowing the defense behind him to make the play. When that's not happening and hitters are getting on base, that's a problem, considering he's never been a pitcher to miss bats frequently.

Holmes pitched on Friday, so he wasn't going to be an option to start on Tuesday for the Cubs, but assuming Matthew Boyd gets a start, it's no sure thing that the former New York Mets pitcher is a part of the rotation against the Padres this week. That's especially true if Gausman is able to pitch.

Clay Holmes could be an X-factor out of the bulllpen during the Wild Card series vs. Padres

In other words, the door has been crept open to Holmes returning to a playoff role he's familiar with and that's pitching out of the bullpen. At least, for the Wild Card series against the Padres.

While the Cubs have seen Daniel Palencia and Ryan Zeferjahn return to form in September, and perhaps, Jacob Webb, there's still the matter of bridging the gap between when their starting pitcher departs and when time calls for Zeferjahn, Webb, and Palencia.

That could ultimately be the role Holmes serves in against the Padres. Assuming the goal for Counsell is to get his starting pitcher through the fourth innings, Holmes could be the go-to bulk option for the fifth and sixth innings. No, Holmes wasn't acquired to be a hybrid high-leverage arm for the Cubs bullpen but that could be what the situation calls for.

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