Cubs’ Kevin Gausman, with nagging shoulder, unsure if he’d be ready for possible Game 1 start vs. Padres

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kevin Gausman is uncertain if he will be ready to pitch in Game 1 of the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. Gausman injured his left shoulder during a diving tag play the previous week. He threw a bullpen session on Sunday in Florida, which he termed a step in the right direction.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell has other rotation candidates available, including Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, with Clay Holmes and David Peterson lined up for Game 2. Additionally, third baseman Alex Bregman stated he is ready to play wherever needed despite suffering facial fractures a week earlier.