Chicago Cubs Lineup (10/1/25): Counsell Running it Back with Kittredge Opening
The Cubs won the series opener behind just enough power hitting and a powerful pitching performance that saw Craig Counsell lift his starter after just 58 pitches and no real trouble brewing. Matthew Boyd looked like the pitcher who was featured heavily in Cy Young conversations earlier in the season, but Counsell has spoken more than once about the need to get 27 outs by any means necessary.
That means turning to Andrew Kittredge, who worked the 8th yesterday and has five saves for the Cubs, as the opener this afternoon. The righty has only started 15 games in his career, none since opening four times for the Rays in 2021, but Counsell checked with him following Game 1 to make sure he was good to go. This has been the best season of the 35-year-old’s career and he’s been incredible for the Cubs, posting an elite 13.29 K/9 and working efficiently by avoiding walks.
As for who will pitch the bulk of the game, well, Counsell isn’t saying. All bets are on Shota Imanaga, who has had a lot of trouble with the home run ball over the last few weeks. The wind is expected to be blowing from right to left throughout the morning, shifting to a little more in from right-center closer to gametime. That could be a very good thing for Imanaga, who gives up a lot of fly balls.
Given how strict the third-time-through-the-order penalty has been for the lefty, particularly against right-handed hitters, having him skip Fernando Tatís Jr. and Manny Machado that first time through is a good idea. I’d personally rather see Colin Rea eat up some innings because he’s looked so much better since tweaking his mechanics to avoid being as rotational. Whatever Counsell decides, the bats need to provide more support.
Counsell is running the same lineup out today as he did in game one. Michael Busc gets things started at first base. Nico Hoerner is at second, Ian Happ is in left, Kyle Tucker is the DH, and Seiya Suzuki is in right. Carson Kelly works behind the dish, Pete Crow-Armstrong is in center, Dansby Swanson is at short, and Matt Shaw mans the hot corner.
They’re facing former Cubs farmhand Dylan Cease, who just wrapped up the worst full season of his career. However, his September performance was much better than in any previous month. He pitched against the Cubs earlier this season, getting a no-decision after holding them to two earned runs with six strikeouts and one walk over 5.2 innings. Cease is still a strikeout machine with a 97+ mph fastball and biting slider, but he can spray the ball around the zone from time to time as well.
Expect the Padres to go to the bullpen early given Cease’s issues with the second and third time through the order. That probably won’t be a matter of matchups, as his platoon splits are negligible, but Mike Shildt will look to his relievers at the first hint of Cease faltering.
That’s all for today, as I’ve got to get on the road to Wrigley. Blame me if the outcome isn’t favorable.
October baseball at the Friendly Confines! pic.twitter.com/qmGbXxmfcs
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 1, 2025
