After using an opener in their Game 2 loss to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs will go the traditional route for their decisive Game 3 on Thursday. Craig Counsell told reporters on Wednesday night that veteran starting pitcher Jameson Taillon will get the start in the finale of the Cubs' National League Wild Card Series against the Padres on Thursday.
With Matthew Boyd starting in Game 1 and Shota Imanaga and Colin Rea being used in Game 2, starting Taillon on Thursday was the only logical option. There is no Justin Steele or Cade Horton available to save the Cubs' season; instead, it is the veteran pitcher who has had his share of ups and downs during his first three years with the Cubs.