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Cubs righty Andrew Kittredge will start Game 2, the club announced after Tuesday’s 3-1 win.
Left-hander Shota Imanaga will likely pitch in a bulk role for the Cubs after Kittredge. Opening with Kittredge is that it allows Imanaga to face the top of the Padres’ lineup fewer times. It’s also advantageous for Imanaga as it could allow him to start the game against left-handed-hitter Jackson Merrill.
Imanaga has a 7.20 ERA in the first inning this season, and a 5.08 ERA his first time through a lineup. He ended the season on a down note, allowing eight runs on nine hits against the Mets.