Cubs’ Andrew Kittredge to start Game 2 of wild-card series vs. Padres

Cubs right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge will open Game 2 of the wild-card series against the Padres on Wednesday. Left-hander Shota Imanaga likely will follow.

Opening with Kittredge means Imanaga will face the top of the Padres’ lineup fewer times. It could allow him to start his outing against left-handed hitter Jackson Merrill, who batted just .236/.278/.369 against lefties with an 81 wRC+.

Starting in the second inning keeps Imanaga out of the first, where he has a 7.20 ERA this season. He also has a 5.08 ERA in his first time through a lineup. In his last regular-season start, Imanaga allowed eight runs and nine hits in 5⅔ innings against the Mets.

Manager Craig Counsell believes in “out-getters” as opposed to defined roles for his bullpen. One of his strengths is managing a pitching staff and putting them in advantageous situations.

“[Counsell] has a lot of trust in us, and we have a lot of trust in him,” said catcher Carson Kelly, who hit a solo homer in the Cubs’ 3-1 victory Tuesday.

The bullpen seemingly has taken to Counsell’s mantra of “out-getters.” Palencia started the season as a closer and has been used in middle relief since returning from the IL.

“Whatever role we get asked to throw in, we just go out there and try to pass on to the next guy, put up a zero [and] get out there as quick as we possibly can,” said right-hander Brad Keller, who recorded his first postseason save Tuesday.

The win set up the Cubs well for Wednesday. Right-hander Michael Soroka, who allowed four runs in his last five regular-season appearances since returning from the injured list Sept. 15, should be available.