Chicago Cubs Lineup (10/2/25): Familiar Batting Order, Taillon Starting Do-or-Die Game 3
If you’re looking to blame someone for the Game 2 loss, don’t pin it on Craig Counsell, Andrew Kittredge, or the offense. No, it was my fault. I knew better than to show up to Wrigley given my history of having only witnessed postseason losses, and I went anyway. Sure enough, they dropped their sixth consecutive postseason game with me in the stands: World Series Games 1 and 4; 2017 NLDS Game 4; 2017 NLCS Game 5; 2020 Wild Card Game 2; 2025 Wild Card Game 2. But hey, at least I snapped my streak of seeing the Cubs eliminated.
While I actually thought using an opener on Wednesday was a sound strategy, I didn’t like Andrew Kittredge in that spot. I also felt Counsell was getting a little too cute, though none of that matters when the offense can’t get a man to third base. I liked Imanaga better for today’s game on longer rest, and would have liked a Drew Pomeranz/Colin Rea duo yesterday. At least Rea did get some action.
Now it’ll be Jameson Taillon pitching to keep his team alive, a task for which he’s as well-suited as any available starter. Well, he’s pretty much the only available starter at this point. The other reason I wanted to see Rea yesterday was that it’d allow Taillon to go on extra rest for the next series. Should they survive this afternoon, Matthew Boyd would have to go on three days’ rest. That’s part of the reason Counsell pulled him early from his Game 1 start.
Anywho, Taillon has looked very good since returning from his latest IL stint, going at least six innings with no more than one run allowed in each of his last three starts. Anything less than a shutout might not be enough if the bats don’t wake up, so here’s to hoping Taillon is up to the task.
Michael Busch remains in the leadoff spot at first base, Nico Hoerner bats and plays second, Ian Happ is in left, and Kyle Tucker is the DH. Seiya Suzuki is in right, Carson Kelly is behind the plate, and Pete Crow-Armstrong will try to find a way to look anything but lost at the plate while patrolling center field. Dansby Swanson is at short and Matt Shaw holds down the hot corner.
They’re facing old friend Yu Darvish, who is having the worst season of his career after missing almost the entire first half due to elbow inflammation. His 23.0% strikeout rate is lower than ever and his 1.75 HR/9 mark is higher than ever. And though Darvish hasn’t lost a lot of velocity, his breaking stuff hasn’t been nearly as sharp. His pitch mix remains incredibly varied, so he can reach into his bag for any number of tricks depending on the situation.
The difference is that what used to be whiffs have turned into contact, albeit a lot of the weak variety. That could all change against a lineup that has been flailing away helplessly for much of the last two games. Dylan Cease and the bullpen made the Cubs look silly yesterday, with PCA appearing completely lost against an array of fastballs and sliders. My fear is that more of the same in this one could see the Cubs pressing, especially if they fall behind early.
If they can settle in and do a little damage out of the gate, however, this game could swing quickly in their favor. With just five total runs across their last three games, the offense is due for something better this afternoon. The only problem is that they’ve been unable to manufacture anything because they seem to be turning every 3-0 or 3-1 count into disaster. Darvish has allowed at least two runs in each of his last six starts, so the chances for quick early offense are good.
The wind should be blowing out to left or left-center at 6-8 mph, so that should help the Cubs against a guy who’s given up seven homers in those half-dozen starts. If they can press the action right away with power and/or speed, they can pack their bags for Milwaukee. If not, the season could very well end in disappointment.
First pitch is at 4:08pm CT on ESPN and 670 The Score.
Game 3. pic.twitter.com/TqMas58sDV
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 2, 2025
