MLB moved Sunday's contest against the Boston Red Sox to Friday due to weather, forcing a doubleheader and potentially requiring Shota Imanaga to pitch on short rest.
Major League Baseball has moved Sunday’s scheduled game between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox to Friday to avoid a poor weather forecast. The adjustment creates a Friday doubleheader at Wrigley Field, with the regular season now set to conclude on Saturday. Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted on Wednesday that the shift disrupts the team's five-day starting rotation window, as league rules for September doubleheaders do not allow for an extra rostered player.
Left-hander Shota Imanaga is likely to start on short rest if Saturday's Game 162 proceeds as scheduled. The Cubs entered Wednesday with a magic number of one to clinch a postseason berth, while the Red Sox have already secured a spot. Because the league moved games forward rather than postponing them, Chicago faces the prospect of finishing their season while competitors have two games remaining. Counsell indicated that if weather impacts the Friday or Saturday slate, the teams must find a way to complete the third game to determine final seeding and home-field advantage.
In roster news, third baseman Alex Bregman is working toward a return after being struck in the left cheek by a foul ball on Sunday. Bregman reported numbness and swelling on the left side of his face but confirmed his vision is intact. While he has not yet resumed running, he is expected to potentially serve as a designated hitter during the weekend series against Boston before the postseason begins on Tuesday.
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