Cubs fans first got a look at Matthew Boyd last Aug. 13 in Cleveland, his first start back from missing most of the year with injuries — and he threw 5⅓ outstanding innings, then was very good the rest of 2024 and in the postseason.

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The Guardians (+134 underdog on the moneyline to win) visit the Cubs (-159). The Chicago Cubs will give the start to Shota Imanaga (4-2, 2.54 ERA), who is looking for win No. 5 on the season, and the Guardians will turn to Tanner Bibee (4-8,