Matthew Boyd, LHP vs. Shane Baz, RHP

After a few rough outings, Matthew Boyd had a really good one six days ago against the Nationals, just two runs allowed in seven innings. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough for a win, as the Cubs scored just once that day.

Boyd has pitched much better at Wrigley Field (2.16 ERA in 13 starts) than on the road (3.62 ERA in 15 starts) and has been better in day games (2.49 ERA in 13 starts) than night games (3.32 ERA in 15 starts). None of those numbers is actually bad, but a home day game seems like a recipe for victory (presuming the offense hits!).

Boyd hasn’t faced the Rays since 2019, and so only one member of the Rays (Yandy Diaz, 2-for-7) has ever seen him. Hopefully this will be to his advantage.

Shane Baz was the Rays’ first-round pick (12th overall) in 2017. He missed considerable time with injuries and this is his first full year as a rotation starter. It hasn’t really gone too well, although his last three starts have been decent enough (2.65 ERA, 21 strikeouts in 17 innings).

This is his first-ever start against the Cubs and he has never faced anyone on the Cubs’ current active roster. He throws hard, as you can see by the chart below.

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The 2025 Game Thread procedure will be identical to last year’s.

You’ll find the game preview posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game, including the First Pitch Thread and the overflow thread, as well as the recap when it’s published. The recap will also live on the front page as a separate post.

You will also be able to find the preview, First Pitch Thread and the overflow thread in the box marked “Chicago Cubs Game Threads” at the bottom of the front page (you can also find them in this section link). The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.

The First Pitch thread will post at five minutes before game time, then an overflow thread at 90 minutes after the scheduled game time.

Discuss amongst yourselves.