For second straight year, Cubs tab Matthew Boyd as Game 1 starter in opening-round playoff series vs. Padres

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced Monday that veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd will start Game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. This marks the second consecutive season Boyd will start Game 1 of the wild-card series against San Diego, having helped lead Chicago to a postseason-opening victory against them last year.

Boyd finished the regular season with a 3.91 ERA across 22 starts after missing nearly two months due to knee surgery. Counsell also confirmed that pitchers Kevin Gausman and Shota Imanaga will pitch during the series, while third baseman Alex Bregman could potentially be limited to designated-hitter duties due to an injury.