Final Cubs playoff roster prediction gets messy after latest rotation concerns emerge

It's a rematch of last October's Wild Card series for the Chicago, as they are set to play the San Diego Padres once again to open the playoffs. Though, this time around, the series will be in San Diego.

News regarding the Cubs playoff roster should start to creep out by the end of the day, and right now, the biggest question facing the team is the status of Kevin Gausman. Gausman was lined up to be the Game 1 starter for the Cubs this week, but has been dealing with left shoulder discomfort since exiting his start against the Miami Marlins last Wednesday.

Final Cubs playoff roster prediction on the eve of the start of their Wild Card series vs. Padres

Outside of Gausman's status, predicting the rest of the Cubs' pitching staff may not be as hard as it once may have seemed earlier this season. Last October, the Cubs went with 12 pitchers on their roster against the Padres. It's safe to say they will operate with the same thought process this year.

Kevin Gausman
Matthew Boyd
Clay Holmes
Shota Imanaga
David Peterson
Javier Assad
Colin Rea
Daniel Palencia
Ryan Zeferjahn
Ryan Rolison
Jacob Webb
Caleb Thielbar

If pressed to make a final guess right now, I suspect the Cubs go with Matthew Boyd, Kevin Gausman, and Clay Holmes in that order for rotation. As for the bullpen, it will be littered with bulk arms. If there is good news for the Cubs' pitching staff ahead of their Wild Card series, Daniel Palencia and Ryan Zeferjahn appear to have returned to form. Jacob Webb ended the regular seasoin with three consecutive scoreless outing.

There's a chance that Edward Cabrera makes the roster over Colin Rea, considering the difference in stuff, but his September results should prove the error in thinking that way.

In terms of position players, things are pretty straightforward for the Cubs.

Carson Kelly
Miguel Amaya
Michael Busch
Nico Hoerner
Alex Bregman
Dansby Swanson
Ian Happ
Pete Crow-Armstrong
Seiya Suzuki
Michael Conforto
Tyrone Taylor
Matt Shaw
Pedro Ramirez
Gabriel Arias

The biggest question among position players is the final spot on the bench. Assuming they use 14 position players, the decision will likely come down to Gabriel Arias, Justin Dean, or Alex Bregman. Considering it's still undetermined if Alex Bregman will be able to play defense at third base, the guess is the Cubs carry an extra infielder with Arias. He also has the speed to make a difference during the later innings.

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Final Cubs playoff roster prediction on the eve of the start of their Wild Card series vs. Padres

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