Chicago Cubs turn to veteran in Game 2 vs. Padres with season on the line

The Chicago Cubs didn’t start their playoff run as hoped, falling in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series to the San Diego Padres, 8-0. Now, the franchise is on the brink of postseason elimination.

In Game 2, the Cubs will be starting Kevin Gausman on the mound, manager Craig Counsell confirmed, via Sahadev Sharma of the Athletic. Chicago is hopeful his veteran presence will give the franchise at least one more game.

Gausman is working his way back from a shoulder injury after a diving play in his final regular season start. But he was able to throw a successful bullpen session and is now ready to return to the bump. After being acquired at the trade deadline, Gausman has now found himself in a pressure packed environment for his new team.

With elimination on the line, it’ll be all hands on deck for Chicago. Nearly every pitcher will be available in Game 2. But at least to start things off, the Cubs are turning to Gausman.

Chicago Cubs relying on Kevin Gausman

Since his arrival to the Cubs, Gausman has posted a 4.83 ERA and a 57/11 K/BB ratio through nine starts. Over his 32 appearances total between the Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays in 2026, the right-hander registered a 4.51 ERA and a 184/47 K/BB ratio.

Gausman has had some blow up games with Chicago, allowing five or more runs in three starts. However, he hasn’t allowed more than two over his last two outings. With a 13/1 K/BB ratio in that span, the Cubs will ride that momentum into the playoffs.

The right-hander also has ample experience pitching in the postseason with 14 games, including eight starts on his resume. Gausman holds a 3.83 ERA and a 56/22 K/BB ratio in that time, pitching as recently as last year’s World Series.

It will take a team-wide effort by the Cubs to hold off elimination. But it’ll all start with Gausman on the mound.

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