Cubs reveal unexpected Game 2 plan that could define their postseason

After the Chicago Cubs' victory over the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card, the team announced that reliever Andrew Kittredge will take the mound in Game 2. Kittredge was one of four Cubs relievers who turned in scoreless outings in Game 1 after Matthew Boyd went 4 1/3 innings with one earned run allowed.

The Cubs are clearly looking to have Kittredge set down the Padres' first three hitters, which were Fernando Tatis Jr., Luis Arraez, and Manny Machado in Tuesday's game.

Shota Imanaga figures to get the bulk of the innings share as the Padres have mediocre splits against left-handed pitching this year, despite some of their best hitters being right-handed. Nobody in the Padres' lineup has more than nine career at-bats against Imanaga, with Jake Cronenworth, Jose Iglesias, and Tatis being the only batters with multiple hits against him.

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Even if Imanaga doesn't pitch in Game 2, the Cubs will have long relievers Colin Rea and Aaron Civale fresh, with starter Jameson Taillon also available. Even though Manager Craig Counsell used most of his best relievers to get the first victory, like Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, and Daniel Palencia, they all could theoretically be available with Kittredge already confirmed to appear.

It's also worth noting that Caleb Thielbar and Taylor Rogers are also fresh, although both are southpaws. Counsell and the front office clearly have a game plan, though. During his postgame press conference, the Cubs' manager alluded that it was always the plan to have Boyd only face the Padres' lineup twice before leaving the game, and it worked to perfection.

With another win, the Cubs will advance to the National League Division Series for the first time since 2017, when they set down the Washington Nationals. If they do advance, their division rivalry with the Milwaukee Brewers would be renewed. The Cubs and Brewers clashing with an appearance in the NLCS would certainly be cinema, considering many Brewers fans still are hurt that Counsell left for Chicago.

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