Cubs reveal Game 2 starting lineup vs. Padres (and all eyes are on Shota Imanaga)

Fresh off their Game 1 victory over the San Diego Padres, the Chicago Cubs have revealed their starting lineup for Game 2 on Wednesday afternoon. The lineup reads exactly how it did on Tuesday, with the exception being that Andrew Kittredge is getting the start in what could be the decisive matchup of the series.

Cubs set Game 2 lineup with all eyes locked on Shota Imanaga

Kittredge getting the nod on Tuesday marks the first time in the Cubs' history that they are using an opener. That said, it's not a new process for Craig Counsell, who mastered the strategy during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers. The presumption is that once Kittredge gets through the first look at the Padres' top of the order--Fernando Tatis Jr., Luis Arraez, and Manny Machado--Counsell will turn to Shota Imanaga for the lion's share of the innings on Wednesday.

Using an opener for Imanaga's first career playoff start likely isn't how the Cubs would have drawn it up at the start of the season. For much of the season, Imanaga seemed to be on track toward being the Cubs' Game 1 starter, but his struggles in September forced the Cubs to come up with a different strategy.

In five starts during the final month of the regular season, Imanaga had an ERA of 6.51 while giving up 10 home runs in just under 28 innings pitched. Beyond his struggles in September, for the entire season, Imanaga has struggled during his first time through a starting lineup, posting an ERA of 5.08 while giving up 18 home runs. 8 of those home runs were given up in the first inning of Imanaga's starts this season.

The hope is that Kittredge can get through the first inning unscathed and create a soft landing spot for Imanaga. The wind is blowing in at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, so that could bode well for Imanaga getting back on track.

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