Craig Counsell isn’t starting Shota Imanaga even though he’s on regular rest, which is a big relief given the lefty’s sustained propensity for giving up homers. That doesn’t mean he won’t make an appearance in the right situation, especially with the strategy for this game calling for an all-hands-on-deck approach. Matthew Boyd is really the only Cubs pitcher who isn’t available, and the Brewers will be doing pretty much the same thing.
Drew Pomeranz will serve as the Cubs’ opener, a role he played four times in the regular season. With the exception of a stinker against the Cardinals in which he gave up two runs on a hit and a walk while retiring only one of the four batters he faced, the lefty was strong in those starts.