The San Diego Padres defeated the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card series at Petco Park. The Padres' star players delivered a decisive performance, overwhelming the Cubs in a rout. The series is a rematch of the 2025 Wild Card round, where the Cubs lost. The Cubs had hoped to avenge that defeat but fell behind early in the best-of-three series.
The Chicago Cubs suffered a decisive defeat against the San Diego Padres in the first game of the 2026 MLB Wild Card round, putting them on the brink of elimination. The game featured a dominant performance by the Padres, including a near-no-hitter and multiple home runs, while the Cubs struggled with pitching and execution. A win in the second game is now critical for the Cubs to remain in the postseason.
The San Diego Padres defeated the Chicago Cubs 8-0 in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series on September 29, 2026, at Petco Park. The Cubs were held to just three hits, with their first coming in the seventh inning. San Diego’s Michael King pitched seven scoreless innings, striking out eight, including NL MVP candidate Pete Crow-Armstrong. The loss puts Chicago in a must-win situation for Game 2 on Wednesday, where they will start Kevin Gausman against Nick Pivetta.
The Chicago Cubs begin their 2026 postseason run against the San Diego Padres in a Wild Card series at Petco Park. Matthew Boyd starts for Chicago, while Michael King takes the mound for San Diego. Alex Bregman returns as the designated hitter despite recent facial fractures, and the series is first to two wins.
The Chicago Cubs have confirmed left-hander Matthew Boyd as the starting pitcher for Game 1 of their National League Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres. Manager Craig Counsell made the decision after right-hander Kevin Gausman suffered a non-throwing shoulder injury during a tag play last week. The series, which begins Tuesday at Petco Park, marks a rematch of last year's Wild Card round, with the Cubs seeking to avenge their 2025 loss. While Gausman threw a bullpen session and reported feeling 'normalish,' Counsell indicated he is likely to start Game 2 to protect the team's chances. The Cubs, who finished the regular season with an 89-73 record, face a challenging road series in San Diego, where the Padres have a strong home record and a boisterous fan base. Key players like Alex Bregman and Pete Crow-Armstrong are expected to play significant roles, with Bregman likely remaining at designated hitter to protect his health.
The Chicago Cubs secured a National League wild-card berth for the second consecutive year after defeating the Miami Marlins 2-1 at Wrigley Field. Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong became the seventh player in MLB history to record 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season, stealing his 40th base in the first inning. Matthew Boyd delivered a strong performance, pitching seven scoreless innings, while the bullpen closed out the game. The victory ensures Chicago returns to the postseason, with the team now competing for the top wild-card seed to gain home-field advantage in the opening series.
The Chicago Cubs secured their 2026 postseason berth with a 2-1 victory over the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. Matthew Boyd delivered a strong performance, allowing just two runs, while Pete Crow-Armstrong reached the 40-40 club. The win ensures Chicago’s playoff spot, though the team remains in second place in the Wild Card race.
Matthew Boyd pitched six shutout innings with seven strikeouts to back a Cubs offense that jumped ahead and never looked back, beating Baltimore 5-2 on the road. Chicago took a 1-0 lead in the third, extended it with a big fifth, added an insurance run in the eighth, and the bullpen weathered a late Orioles rally to secure the win.
The Chicago Cubs aim to complete a four‑game sweep at the New York Mets with Conforto and Ramirez back in the lineup and Matthew Boyd returning from the IL to start against Freddy Peralta; Chicago also optioned Gavin Hollowell to Iowa to make roster space, while injuries, weather, and pitching contrasts shape the game plan for the Citi Field finale.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd is undergoing meniscus surgery, likely ending his season, which could thrust Javier Assad into the rotation as Jed Hoyer pursues a starter trade; Charlie Barnes was designated for assignment to clear space for Trent Thornton on the 40-man roster.
Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd will undergo surgery for a left knee meniscus issue and has been placed on the 15-day injured list, with timetable TBD after the procedure. Trent Thornton was recalled to take his spot on the roster, while Charlie Barnes was DFA’d to clear a 40-man slot. Boyd started six innings of two-run ball against the Diamondbacks before the injury, which was first noticed while he was playing with his kids and confirmed by MRI.
The Cubs' decision to start Matthew Boyd on short rest in Game 1 of the NLDS backfired, as he struggled early and the team lost 9-3 to the Brewers, highlighting questionable strategic choices and Boyd's recent fatigue.
The Cubs secured a 6-4 victory over the Rays, with notable performances from Ian Happ and Porter Hodge, while Matthew Boyd struggled on the mound. The game highlighted key contributions and strategic bullpen management ahead of the postseason.
The Cubs secured a 5-2 victory over the Yankees on July 12, 2025, with Matthew Boyd delivering an eight-inning shutout performance, despite Aaron Judge's late-game heroics for the Yankees. Carson Kelly also had a strong game, and the Cubs made roster adjustments to strengthen their bullpen for upcoming games.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd was named a 2025 MLB All-Star, while Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch, despite strong seasons, were not initially selected. Boyd's impressive 2.65 ERA over 98.2 innings earned him the nod, making him one of three Cubs All-Stars alongside Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong.