The Cubs still don’t have a clean answer on Kevin Gausman, and the clock is running.
Gausman got a bullpen session in before Chicago’s game against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, but that only nudged things forward a little. His shoulder injury, suffered against the Miami Marlins last Wednesday, still leaves his status for the NL Wild Card Series up in the air. The Cubs are expected to make a decision today on whether he’ll be available for the series against the San Diego Padres this week.
When Chicago went out and got Gausman at the trade deadline, the whole idea was pretty clear: he could be the Game 1 starter in a playoff series. That was the setup after his start against the Marlins last Wednesday, too. Then the shoulder issue hit, and now the Cubs are waiting to see whether that plan survives.
Gausman threw bullpen here. Felt like a step forward but won’t know til tomorrow whether he’ll feel good enough to go. Could start Game 1 or 2 if he’s ready.
- Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) September 27, 2026
The question isn’t just whether Gausman can pitch. It’s also whether the Cubs would even carry him on the roster.
Chicago isn’t expected to put him on the IL, since that could threaten his availability for a possible NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers. But there’s still a scenario where the Cubs leave him off the Wild Card round roster and use that spot to bring in another bullpen arm.
Last October, when the Cubs faced the Padres in the NL Wild Card Series, they carried 12 pitchers. That would be a logical path again this time.
If Gausman is cleared, he’s the obvious choice for Game 1 on Tuesday. If he isn’t, Matthew Boyd would likely be next in line. The rest of the rotation is still being sorted out, but the options are starting to come into focus.
Imanaga started Sunday, though he only went one inning before turning things over to Braxton Garrett. Clay Holmes pitched Friday, which means Wednesday would come with four days of rest.
That makes Thursday a possible spot for Imanaga if needed. David Peterson also remains in the mix, including as a potential piggy-back option for Holmes or Imanaga.
For the Cubs, it’s a frustrating turn. Jed Hoyer and company attacked the deadline to steady the rotation, and yet they still may be staring at Game 1 without a settled answer on the mound.
That wasn’t the script. Then again, neither was spending most of the season without Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and Ben Brown.
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