Cubs reveal surprising starter vs Brewers in Game 5

Since Ashby just tossed 32 pitches on Thursday, he seems less likely to get the opening nod again. The Cubs have also knocked him around, tagging Ashby for three earned runs on four hits and four walks in the series (3 IP).

As for the Cubs, they’ve settled on a surprising choice in former Brewer Drew Pomeranz.

Cubs opt for Game 5 wrinkle by opening with pitcher the Brewers haven’t hit all series

Running it back with Game 2 starter Shota Imanaga, Chicago’s No. 2 pitcher on the staff, seemed like the default, but perhaps Craig Counsell was wary after the Brewers shelled Imanaga four runs in 2.2 innings. Of their five hits against him, two left the ballpark. Pomeranz is a fellow southpaw, so it’s not like the Cubs are making the move out of considerations for handedness. What it does indicate is that, like Milwaukee, they will go with a bullpen game.

Pomeranz covered only 49.2 innings in 57 appearances this season, pitching to a 2.17 ERA while holding the opposition to a .591 OPS. He has not allowed a baserunner in three appearances this series and has struck out five in those three innings of work. It’s still possible that Imanaga follows, but out of the gate, at least, Pomeranz will put the Brewers lineup to the test.

With a lefty again on the mound for first pitch, it will be interesting to see how Pat Murphy arranges the batting order. It has been a night and day difference at home on the road for the offense, a distinction which coincides with having Jackson Chourio, a right-hander, hitting leadoff in favor of the lefty Christian Yelich.

For both material and psychological purposes, returning to that version of the lineup seems like a no-brainer, but Brewers fans can only wait for what Murphy decides.