Story by
Chicago Cubs Face Critical Home Finale Against Marlins With Postseason Spot at Stake
- Story by
- Chicago Cubs Face Critical Home Finale Against Marlins With Postseason Spot at Stake
The Chicago Cubs have decided on their starting pitcher for Thursday's home finale against the Miami Marlins .
Manager Craig Counsell will send left-hander Matthew Boyd to the mound at Wrigley Field, according to Chicago Tribune Cubs beat writer Meghan Montemurro. The Cubs are entering the final stretch of the regular season with a postseason spot yet to be secured.
Advertisement
Boyd will make his 22nd start of the season as Chicago prepares for a busy weekend against the Boston Red Sox . The Cubs are scheduled to play a doubleheader at Fenway Park on Friday.
Boyd has provided steady work for the Cubs throughout the season. The veteran left-hander entered Thursday with a 9-5 record, a 4.06 ERA and 93 strikeouts.
His start also comes as Chicago continues managing its pitching staff ahead of October. Justin Steele is working his way back from elbow surgery and could contribute from the bullpen, while Ben Brown remains sidelined.
Advertisement
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11)Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Cubs are scheduled to use Clay Holmes and David Peterson in Friday's doubleheader against Boston. Holmes has worked in a variety of roles this season after moving away from his traditional relief role, while Peterson has provided additional left-handed depth.
That schedule gives Counsell several opportunities to manage his pitching staff during the final days of the regular season. Chicago will have to balance giving its pitchers work with keeping the roster fresh for the postseason.
Advertisement
For now, the focus is on Boyd and the Marlins. His start will close out the Cubs' regular-season home schedule before the team heads to Boston for Friday's doubleheader.
ALSO SEE:
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
