On Thursday, the Cubs/Red Sox game was postponed due to bad weather at Fenway Park. As a result, both teams will play a doubleheader on Friday.
That doesn't sit well with Cubs manager Craig Counsell. He pointed out the disadvantage to their starting pitching in a Friday doubleheader, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN.
“They never move games up and especially within a five-day window of a starting rotation,” Counsell said Wednesday. “So we can't have somebody ready to pitch on Saturday. They just moved games up on us. I understand there's extenuating circumstances, but you just don't see that happening.”
As a result, who was supposed to start on Saturday will have to start on Friday. At the same time, whoever can start for Saturday will do so on short rest.
According to ESPN, left-hander Shota Imanaga will get the green light for Saturday on short rest.
Article Continues Below“What I know is happening is we're going to play three games,” Counsell said. “So if weather is an issue, then yeah, we're going to have to figure out a place to play a third game.”
All of which puts an added burden on the Cubs at a time when they are seeing the NL Wild Card slip away from them. The Padres took the lead after a win Thursday over the Dodgers. This leaves the Cubs tied for 2nd with the Philadelphia Phillies.
“The decision is made always on a balance of everybody's interest,” Counsell said. “And you get shortchanged in some … or not have the optimal solution.”
The Cubs will close out the regular season on Saturday.