Every postseason series that remains is now a do-or-die for teams. The Dodgers and Phillies, the Mariners and Tigers, and last but not least, the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers. After getting dominated by the Brewers in the first two games of the NLDS, they came back in the third and got the win. Now with Game 4 looming, the Cubs decided to start a pitcher who did not do a good job the last time he was up.

It was revealed that Matthew Boyd is going to be the starting pitcher for the Cubs in Game 4. And in his recent interview, manager Craig Counsell was asked about his selection. “Yeah, I mean, it was Matthew Boyd… he had a rough start, game one. But we need him tonight,” Counsell noted.

Matthew Boyd’s Game 1 outing against the Brewers was difficult, allowing six runs in the first inning. Errors extended the inning, but he only personally gave up two earned runs to Milwaukee’s offense. Despite that rough start, his regular-season numbers with a 3.21 ERA and 154 strikeouts in 31 games show he can deliver stronger performances with composure and control.

The Cubs’ decision to start Boyd in Game 4 reflects strategy, aiming to navigate Milwaukee’s left-handed-heavy lineup. If Boyd can get through the first two innings, Colin Rea or the bullpen could cover multiple innings efficiently. This approach reduces middle-reliever fatigue, giving Chicago a better chance to force a winner-takes-all Game 5.

Boyd enters Game 4 focused and ready, embracing the opportunity to make amends for earlier struggles.

“I know what I’m going to do when the ball is in my hand,” he said confidently. His mindset signals determination to compete fully and help the Chicago Cubs extend their postseason journey.

Matthew Boyd’s redemption in Game 4 will define whether the Cubs can even dream of Game 5. Milwaukee knows its weaknesses, but Chicago trusts Boyd to temper chaos with calculated pitching and focus. Watching Boyd face Brewers’ bats could become the season’s unexpected punchline.

Whichever way the NLDS goes, it is unlikely the Cubs are going to bring back Kyle Tucker

The Chicago Cubs aren’t exactly handing out participation trophies these days, but they did make one move last winter that had everyone buzzing: Trading for Kyle Tucker. For a team desperate to shed its perennial underdog reputation, it felt like a masterstroke. Now, as October winds down and Wrigley lights dim on another postseason run, the question isn’t whether Tucker performed; it’s whether anyone still thinks he’ll stick around.

Kyle Tucker’s one-year contract with the Cubs leaves his future firmly in question next season. Patrick Mooney noted, “You don’t hear the clamoring anymore for the Cubs to re-sign Tucker,” reflecting the reality of his injury-shortened second half. Even if Chicago makes a deep postseason run, the outcome may not influence Tucker’s free agency choices significantly.

The strategy behind acquiring Tucker was always clear: Push the Cubs over the 2025 competitive hump efficiently.

Mooney added, “If Tucker winds up weighing short-term deals, his first choice probably wouldn’t be Wrigley Field,” highlighting player considerations. Fans have witnessed a season of excitement, struggle, and hope, knowing Tucker has already fulfilled the purpose he was brought to Chicago.

The Cubs took a calculated gamble on Tucker that paid off exactly as intended this season. Wrigley Field may not be his long-term home, but his impact will linger strongly. Chicago fans can cheer, knowing Tucker already delivered the spark that made October worth watching.