Projecting Cubs' playoff pitching staff reveals just how concerning bullpen has become

Figuring out the playoff pitching is probably at the top of the Chicago Cubs' to-do list over these next two weeks. Since the trade deadline, the goal for the Cubs had been to avoid the problem they had last October when they ran out of effective pitching options. The Cubs certainly have more options available to them this season, but there's some question into how effective said options are.

With the bullpen looking uneasy in recent weeks, and struggles of Matthew Boyd and Kevin Gausman in the rotation, there remain a few spots still up for grabs on the pitching staff during the playoffs.

Here's what the Cubs pitching staff could look like during the National League Wild Card Series

For now, we'll stick to predicting what their pitching staff could look during the NL Wild Card series. Following the precedent of what the Cubs did last season, the expectation should be that they have 12 pitchers on the initial playoff roster.

Cubs' playoff Starting Rotation

1. Clay Holmes
2. Matthew Boyd
3. Kevin Gausman

Holmes is clearly positioned to be the Cubs' Game 1 starter. Since the trade deadline, he's been the best pitcher in the rotation.

Things get interesting after Holmes, considering that Boyd, Gausman, and Shota Imanaga all carry concerns. For now, Boyd may have the slight nod ahead for a Game 2 start. He's been dominant when facing a starting lineup the first time through, but things take a dramatic turn after that. Even if gets the start, the expectation should be that Boyd will have a short-leash after the third inning.

Right now, Gausman's experience gives him the slight edge for Imanaga for the Game 3 start. Though, if Gausman struggles his next time through the rotation and Imanaga continues to find results, the two swapping places could make sense.

Cubs' playoff bullpen

1. Jacob Webb
2. Daniel Palencia
3. Ryan Zeferjahn
4. Ryan Rolison
5. Caleb Thielbar
6. Shelby Miller
7. Edward Cabrera
8. Javier Assad
9. David Peterson

The Cubs have four locks in the bullpen with Jacob Webb, Daniel Palencia, Ryan Zeferjahn, and Ryan Rolison. In the bullpen, that's the group that is going to need to have success if the Cubs plan to go on a lengthy playoff run.

Despite his home-run splits, the Cubs also seem to believe in Caleb Thielbar. The wild-card in the bullpen will be Shelby Miller. Miller has routinely hit the upper-90s with his fastball during his minor-league rehab assignment, and that feels like an arm the Cubs need to have available to them in October. Even if he only has an appearance or two with the team before the end of the regular season.

There will likely be multiple bulk options in the bullpen, leading to Edward Cabrera, Javier Assad, and David Peterson rounding out the pitching staff to open the playoffs. Again, whoever is the Cubs' Game 3 starter could also determine the final spots in the bullpen. For example, with it being Gausman in our guess, it's hard to imagine the Cubs are comfortable with pitching Shota Imanaga out of the bullpen.

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