Cubs Make Pitching Decision After Blowout Loss Against Padres

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Cubs Make Pitching Decision After Blowout Loss Against Padres

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Sep 30, 2026 2:19 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have made their pitching decision for Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series.

Kevin Gausman will take the mound Wednesday against the San Diego Padres, giving Chicago the veteran right-hander with its season on the line after an 8-0 loss in Game 1.

Gausman was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline to provide the Cubs with another experienced arm for the stretch run and postseason. He made six playoff appearances for Toronto last year, including two starts in the World Series.

Kevin Gausman gets the Game 2 start tomorrow against the Padres.
— Meghan Montemurro (@MegMontemurro) September 30, 2026

The assignment comes after Chicago’s pitching staff struggled to contain San Diego in the opener. Matthew Boyd allowed four runs in four innings, while the Padres hit three home runs in the victory.

The Cubs’ offense also had a difficult night against Michael King. Chicago managed only three hits, with King throwing seven scoreless innings and striking out eight.

Gausman went 4-2 with a 4.83 ERA in nine starts for the Cubs after joining the team. He finished the regular season with a 9-12 record, a 4.51 ERA and 184 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings between Chicago and Toronto.

There is also some uncertainty surrounding the right-hander after he injured his left shoulder while making a diving tag against the Miami Marlins on Sept. 23. Gausman remained on Chicago’s Wild Card roster and is now set to pitch in the biggest game of the Cubs’ season.