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MILWAUKEE – In the ninth inning of Game 3 of the Cubs’ wild-card series against the Padres, left-handed starter Matthew Boyd was on the bullpen mound, warming in case the Cubs needed him in relief.
The next day the Cubs announced that he’d get the ball Saturday against the Brewers in the opening game of the National League Division Series.
“He was willing to take the ball [Thursday,]” manager Craig Counsell said when asked about Boyd’s willingness to start Saturday on short rest.
Boyd had only thrown 58 pitches in his last start, Tuesday’s wild-card series Game 1.