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6h ago

Cubs–Brewers NLDS Opens in Milwaukee With Counsell on the Other Side

Rotation absences shape the opener, with Brandon Woodruff out for Milwaukee plus Cade Horton not active for Chicago.

Chicago Cubs players and fans celebrate after the Cubs won Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd high-fives teammates in the dugout after being taken out during the fifth inning of Game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the Padres on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Wrigley Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
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Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell is seen during an interview before the Milwaukee Brewers open workout ahead of the National League Division Series on Friday October 3, 2025 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mandatory Credit: © Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Image

Overview

  • The best-of-five Division Series begins Saturday at American Family Field, marking the rivals’ first-ever postseason meeting.
  • Craig Counsell returns as Cubs manager to his former ballpark, with heavy attention and sizable traveling Chicago support expected.
  • Milwaukee tabs Freddy Peralta for Game 1, while Chicago starts left-hander Matthew Boyd on short rest, with the roof expected to be open.
  • Key arms are sidelined for the series: Woodruff due to a lat strain and Horton as he continues recovering from a rib fracture.
  • Milwaukee arrives rested after an MLB-best 97 wins, while Chicago rides momentum from a three-game wild-card win and a tight season series it edged 7–6 (60–56 run differential).