Cubs Go Back to Matthew Boyd for Game 1 in San Diego

The last time Matthew Boyd started a wild-card opener against San Diego, he held the Padres to one run over 4 1/3 innings and the Cubs won. Craig Counsell is hoping for the same on Tuesday.

Boyd gets the ball in Game 1 at Petco Park against Padres right-hander Michael King. It came down to Boyd or Kevin Gausman, and Gausman's left shoulder made the call easier. He hurt his non-throwing shoulder on a diving tag in his last start, threw a bullpen session Sunday and reportedly felt fine. Counsell said he "is gonna pitch this series" but wouldn't say when.

Gausman has a 4.83 ERA in nine starts since Chicago got him from Toronto on Aug. 2. He, Clay Holmes, Shota Imanaga and David Peterson are all options for Games 2 and 3, unless some of them pitch in relief on Tuesday.

"We have 27 outs," Counsell said. "The order that that happens, starter, reliever, closer, setup man, those words don't matter."

Bregman's bat is fine. His glove is the question

Alex Bregman has broken bones in his face from a foul ball that hit him in the on-deck circle on Sept. 20. He was back in the lineup five days later, and on Sunday he went 4-for-4 with two homers as the designated hitter. Playing third base is another matter. "The fractures are not healed," Counsell said. If Bregman stays at DH, Pedro Ramirez or Matt Shaw plays third.

San Diego (91-71) hasn't named starters past Game 1, but Nick Pivetta is expected in Game 2, with Robbie Ray or Walker Buehler for a Game 3. The Cubs finished 89-73.

Game 1 starts at 10 p.m. ET Tuesday, and Game 2 is Wednesday at the same time, both on Peacock and NBCSN.