Counsell’s explanation for turning to Boyd on short rest went viral as Chicago’s hopes for a strong series opener unraveled early at American Family Field. The 34-year-old veteran started Game 1 of the Cubs vs. Padres Wild Card Series just days earlier, throwing only 58 pitches in a Chicago win. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, the conversation he had with the Cubs manager before the NLDS opener about the decision to start the southpaw on short rest. The Cubs manager explained his thought process. For the Cubs, Game 1 has already shifted the tone of the series.