In a moment that demonstrated both the team’s sense of urgency and impressive roster depth, Cubs manager Craig Counsell made Shota Imanaga’s last start the shortest outing of his major-league career, not messing around at this stage of the playoff race. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down what it means for Imanaga, Counsell and the plans for October. Plus, reporting from the dugout and the clubhouse on why Kevin Gausman looks like a Game 1 playoff starter, and how Justin Steele and Ben Brown could fit onto the postseason pitching staff.

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