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Cubs face rotation decisions as they prepare for playoff push

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 11:40 PM

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

Cubs face rotation decisions as they prepare for playoff push

Summary

The Chicago Cubs have transitioned from a shortage of starting pitchers to an abundance, prompting manager Craig Counsell to evaluate which players to utilize in the upcoming postseason. Following a win over the Toronto Blue Jays, Counsell must select starters for a potential wild-card series and a division series if the Cubs advance. The team has seen new arrivals, including Kevin Gausman making his Cubs debut in Kansas City. Adding depth to the pitching staff, Colin Rea and Javier Assad will temporarily work from the bullpen. Rehabilitation stints are underway for closer Daniel Palencia and Hoby Milner, with hopes for Ben Brown's return as well. The Cubs aim to solidify their pitching rotation as the regular season nears its conclusion.

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By the Numbers

•Cubs won 3-2 against the Blue Jays in extra innings.
•Kevin Gausman to debut for Cubs in Kansas City on Friday.
•Colin Rea and Javier Assad will pitch out of the bullpen for now.
•Daniel Palencia and Hoby Milner started rehab stints at Iowa.
•Ben Brown aims to return to action this season.

Latest Updates

11:40 PMYahoo Sports — Paul Sullivan: How will Craig Counsell manage a Cubs rotation that went from a shortage to an overflow?

What they're saying

"
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs went from not having enough starting pitchers to maybe having too many, a dilemma that can be a problem only if the pitchers don’t buy in. The way things look in early August, manager Craig Counsell eventually will have to play a game of duck, duck, goose, choosing two or three starters for the best-of-three wild-card series and then three or four for the ...
— Yahoo Sports

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Chicago Cubs New York Yankees Toronto Blue Jays MLB Baseball