Cubs Take Risky Gamble as Elimination Looms at Wrigley

Highlights

• The Cubs named Matthew Boyd their Game 4 starter after a disastrous Game 1 outing.
  
• Boyd allowed six runs in less than an inning in the series opener against Milwaukee.
  
• He went 14–8 with a 3.21 ERA in the regular season but struggled after the All-Star break.
  

The Chicago Cubs' season is on the line and they are rolling the dice on Matthew Boyd. After his disastrous Game 1 start against the Brewers, when he recorded just two outs and allowed six runs, Chicago is putting him back on the mound with their season on the line.

Manager Craig Counsell announced that Boyd gets the ball in Game 4 at Wrigley Field. 

The choice is both a vote of confidence in the veteran lefty and a bet that his ugly opener was more anomaly than trend. But with the Cubs facing elimination, it’s also the riskiest move they could make.

The Regular Season Resume

On paper, Boyd had one of the better seasons of his career. He went 14–8 with a 3.21 ERA, striking out 178 and walking just 47 in 180 innings. He was especially dominant at home, posting a 12–1 record and 2.51 ERA in 15 Wrigley starts. That’s the version of Boyd Chicago is hoping shows up tonight.

The Recent Slide

The concern is what came after the All-Star break. Boyd’s ERA rose to 4.63 in the second half, and over his final 10 appearances, he was tagged for a 5.51 mark. That stretch included command issues and a troubling spike in home runs allowed.

The matchup data doesn’t inspire much confidence either. Against Milwaukee this year, Boyd allowed nine earned runs and eight walks in just 10⅓ innings across two regular-season starts. When he faced the Brewers in Game 1, those issues came roaring back.

The Risk Factor

By going back to Boyd, the Cubs are leaning on the larger body of work — the All-Star campaign and home-field dominance — and betting that his season-long resume outweighs the recent skid. They are also banking on the adrenaline of a home crowd to steady him early.