The Cubs and Brewers are each down 1 key starter for NLDS

For Game 1, the Cubs will be handing the ball to Matthew Boyd on three days rest. If Cubs manager Craig Counsell follows the same pattern as the Wild Card series, Shota Imanga would then be in line to throw bulk innings on Monday, on four days rest, and Jameson Taillon Wednesday on five days of rest. This would then lineup Boyd again for a potential game four, on as many days rest, and Imanaga on Saturday the 10th, if necessary, on four days rest.

In Chicago’s case, on paper they can navigate this series starting pitching-wise, should it go the distance of five games. However, they will miss Horton’s absence as he had been lights out from the All-Star break on. Should any of the three starters who got the ball in the Wild Card seires falter in the NLDS, it will take a bulk innings reliever like Colin Rea, Aaron Civale, or Michael Soroka to step up and save an already taxed bullpen.

On Milwaukee’s side, Woodruff was slated to start Game 2, as Freddy Peralta is getting the ball in Game 1. Now, Brewers manager Pat Murphy revealed that either Quinn Priester or Jose Quintana will get the ball in Game 2. Woodruff has plenty of postseason experience and clutch performances on his resume, so the Brewers are going to be relying on either a breakout performer in Priester, or a savvy veteran in Quintana, to fill his shoes.

Rookie phenom Jacob Misiorowski is expected to be a bullpen option for the Brewers this series. He had a rough finish to the year, so if Milwaukee calls his name, there will be a lot of eyes on how he performs.

All of this sets the stage for the starting pitching storyline in the NLDS. The Cubs will lean on a carefully managed rotation, hoping their arms hold up on short rest, while the Brewers must find a way to navigate without one of their most reliable postseason performers in Woodruff. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in what will surely be an emotionally charged series.