Cubs turn to Gausman’s tested shoulder in must-win Game 2

Kevin Gausman will start with the Cubs' season on the line Wednesday night, one week after injuring his left shoulder on a diving tag. Chicago faces Nick Pivetta and the Padres in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series at Petco Park. First pitch is 9 p.m. Central, with the game on Peacock and NBCSN.

The Cubs trail the best-of-three series 1-0 after Tuesday's 8-0 loss. Gausman's availability gives Craig Counsell an experienced starter for the elimination game, although the pitcher has described his readiness with some caution. After a bullpen session before Game 1, he said he felt good enough to pitch. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that he was still working through how the non-throwing shoulder might affect his movements.

Counsell named Gausman as the Game 2 starter after the opener. Marquee Sports Network carried the manager's postgame remarks as Chicago turned toward Wednesday.

Gausman injured the shoulder against Miami on Sept. 23. MLB's Jordan Bastian reported that soreness had lingered and that the right-hander was still unsure of his availability after a Sunday mound workout. Tuesday's session gave him a more encouraging result. That supports the decision to start him; it leaves his effectiveness and possible workload to be determined in the game.

His Chicago record has been uneven. Gausman posted a 4.83 ERA in nine starts after arriving from Toronto at the trade deadline, with 57 strikeouts and 11 walks in 50 1/3 innings. He also brings 14 career postseason appearances. Last year he made six playoff appearances for the Blue Jays, including two World Series starts, and finished that postseason with a 2.93 ERA.