Overview

• The Cubs announced Monday that Matthew Boyd will open the Wild Card Series against the Padres at Wrigley Field.
• Manager Craig Counsell praised Boyd as the club’s dependable rotation anchor after an All-Star season with a 3.21 ERA, 14 wins and 31 starts.
• Rookie Cade Horton’s fractured rib and injured list placement helped clarify the rotation and contributed to Boyd getting the assignment.
• Analysts note San Diego has struggled more versus left-handed pitching, and Boyd’s performance has been stronger at Wrigley than on the road.
• Boyd brings recent playoff success, allowing one earned run over 11.2 innings last year, and he described personal motivation tied to his late grandfather.