Cubs turn to Gausman’s tested shoulder in must-win Game 2

Kevin Gausman will start with the Cubs' season on the line Wednesday night, one week after injuring his left shoulder on a diving tag. Chicago faces Nick Pivetta and the Padres in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series at Petco Park. First pitch is 9 p.m. Central, with the game on Peacock and NBCSN.

The Cubs trail the best-of-three series 1-0 after Tuesday's 8-0 loss. Gausman's availability gives Craig Counsell an experienced starter for the elimination game, although the pitcher has described his readiness with some caution. After a bullpen session before Game 1, he said he felt good enough to pitch. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that he was still working through how the non-throwing shoulder might affect his movements.

Counsell named Gausman as the Game 2 starter after the opener. Marquee Sports Network carried the manager's postgame remarks as Chicago turned toward Wednesday.

Gausman injured the shoulder against Miami on Sept. 23. MLB's Jordan Bastian reported that soreness had lingered and that the right-hander was still unsure of his availability after a Sunday mound workout. Tuesday's session gave him a more encouraging result. That supports the decision to start him; it leaves his effectiveness and possible workload to be determined in the game.

His Chicago record has been uneven. Gausman posted a 4.83 ERA in nine starts after arriving from Toronto at the trade deadline, with 57 strikeouts and 11 walks in 50 1/3 innings. He also brings 14 career postseason appearances. Last year he made six playoff appearances for the Blue Jays, including two World Series starts, and finished that postseason with a 2.93 ERA.

Pivetta presents a different recent trajectory. A right elbow injury cost him nearly five months, but he returned Sept. 7 and allowed three runs in 18 2/3 innings across four September starts, a 1.45 ERA. He threw 87 pitches in his final regular-season outing. MLB's Cole Bradley reported that he had built back to a full pitch count.

The Cubs also need their lineup to respond after managing three singles Tuesday. Alex Bregman's defensive availability remains a lineup question: Counsell used him at designated hitter in Game 1 while protecting the facial fractures he suffered Sept. 20. MLB's Game 2 preview described a possible return to third base as conditional, rather than a confirmed lineup change.

Both managers retain pitching options beyond their starters. Chicago avoided using its other rotation arms in the lopsided opener. San Diego needed only three pitchers, preserving Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon for later innings. The Cubs need to win Wednesday to force a deciding Game 3.