What's Happening?
Major League Baseball has announced the start times for the Chicago Cubs' first two games in their wild-card series against the San Diego Padres. The games are scheduled to begin at 2:08 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and will be broadcast on ABC-7. If a third game is necessary, it will be played on Thursday at Wrigley Field, with the time and TV outlet yet to be determined. The Cubs secured home field advantage for this round following their victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs and Padres have not faced each other since April, when they split their season series.
Why It's Important?
The announcement of the playoff schedule is significant for fans and stakeholders of the Chicago Cubs, as it sets the stage for the team's postseason journey. Securing home field advantage is a strategic benefit, potentially influencing the outcome of the series. The timing of the games, set for daytime, may impact viewership and attendance, as fans adjust their schedules to support the team. Additionally, the absence of rookie right-hander Cade Horton due to injury could affect the Cubs' pitching strategy, with left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga likely to start the first two games.
What's Next?
The Cubs will need to finalize their pitching lineup for the series, considering the recent injury to Cade Horton. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to these changes and how they perform against the Padres. The outcome of the series will determine whether the Cubs advance further in the playoffs, with potential implications for team morale and future strategies.
