Cubs announce Matthew Boyd as Game 1 starter vs. Padres

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matthew Boyd. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cubs announce Matthew Boyd as Game 1 starter vs. Padres

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 28, 2026 8:21 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs had one of the worst pitching staffs among playoff teams in the regular season.

Chicago's staff ERA of 4.12 ranked 10th among 12 playoff teams, leaving many to question who manager Craig Counsell would give the ball to in Game 1 of the Cubs' wild-card series against the San Diego Padres.

Chicago's starting pitching depth gave Counsell a plethora of options, but he opted to turn to a veteran arm in Game 1 for the second consecutive season.

Matthew Boyd will start Game 1 for Chicago

Following the Cubs workout at Petco Park on Monday, Counsell announced that left-hander Matthew Boyd will start Game 1 against the Padres.

It will be the second straight season that Boyd has started Game 1 of the wild-card series against San Diego. He put together a solid start in last year's game, going 4 1/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits with two strikeouts.

Craig Counsell said Matthew Boyd will start tomorrow.
— Elise Menaker (@EliseMenaker) September 28, 2026

Boy oh Boyd, it's go time. pic.twitter.com/0qLfTUuO6t
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 28, 2026

Matthew Boyd struggled against San Diego this season

Despite his success in last season's playoff game against San Diego, Boyd struggled this season against an almost identical lineup.

Boyd faced the Padres for the first time this season on April 27 and lasted just four innings, allowing five runs on eight hits with two walks and four strikeouts. He made a second start against San Diego on June 30 and went five innings, allowing three runs on eight hits and striking out two batters.

Overall, Boyd finished the season with an 8.00 ERA across two starts and nine innings against the team he'll be facing in the postseason.

Notable Padres OPS vs. Matthew Boyd:

Machado: 1.292
France: 1.038
Bogaerts: .623
Fermin: .727
Tatis Jr: .750

Minimum 10 ABs https://t.co/QtXyDbSHSx
— Friar Talk (@padrespod) September 28, 2026

How short will the leash be?

Depending on the flow of the game, Boyd could have a short leash, similar to last season's playoff start against San Diego when he didn't make it through the fifth inning.

The amount of pitching depth Chicago has could also play a role in exactly how far into the game Counsell allows Boyd to go.

A lengthy start for Boyd would indicate a successful night for the Cubs, while an early exit would suggest the north siders facing a 1-0 deficit headed into Wednesday's Game 2.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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