CHICAGO – In a critical moment during Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series, Cubs manager Craig Counsell stood by his choice to keep left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga on the mound to face the right-handed hitter Manny Machado. This decision came back to haunt the Cubs as Machado launched a two-run homer on the first pitch, contributing to the San Diego Padres’ 3-0 victory.
As the teams head into a decisive Game 3 at Wrigley Field on Thursday, Counsell reflected on the choice, acknowledging that the outcome would suggest a different approach might have been warranted. “Really, just confidence in Shota, plain and simple there,” Counsell stated, emphasizing that he believed Imanaga was performing well prior to the mistake.
The moment arose after Fernando Tatis Jr. walked and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt, creating an open base. Despite considering the option of intentionally walking Machado, Counsell opted to pitch to him. “Walking him wasn’t in my head,” Imanaga said through an interpreter, insisting that his splitter was intended to be low in the strike zone.
Even with right-handed pitcher Mike Soroka ready to come in, Counsell ultimately decided to stick with Imanaga in this crucial situation. This decision stood out given the Cubs utilized an opener in the game to allow Imanaga to circumvent facing both Machado and Tatis in the first inning, making the fifth-inning choice particularly puzzling.
Machado, who entered the at-bat 0-for-6 in the series, remarked that he was focused solely on the challenge posed by Imanaga. “I’m not thinking about that. For myself, I was just thinking about trying to get to Imanaga,” he noted.
Padres manager Mike Shildt commented on the strategy without getting caught up in the Cubs’ decisions, indicating his focus remained on his team.
Looking ahead to Game 3, the Padres intend to start former Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish, while the Cubs will counter with right-hander Jameson Taillon. Taillon expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, emphasizing the significant efforts throughout the season leading to such crucial moments. “I’m looking forward to it,” he said, encapsulating the high stakes and excitement that lie ahead for both teams.