The thing that stinks about the Cubs finally playing a team with a dramatically losing record? It’s a team that, on paper, should be much better than it has been. Turning it around in Chicago would be completely understandable for the Diamondbacks.
Instead, hopefully the Cubs turn their own season around just a little bit, and keep Arizona on the skids.
Travis Wood faces Bronson Arroyo, who seems to pitch well whenever he faces the Cubs, regardless of the personnel. Fortunately, the Cubs are stacking the lineup with lefties to face a guy whose career splits (and it’s an enormous sample size) are about as pronounced as it gets:
In short, righties have always struggled against Arroyo, and lefties have always crushed him.
Game Info
Arizona Diamondbacks (5-16) at Chicago Cubs (5-12), 7:05 CT on CSN+.
Game Thread and Series Preview
The Game Thread lives here. And, of course, for those who aren’t into message board-style game threads, please feel free to use the comments on this post for your in-game commentary/outbursts.
The Series Preview lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Bronson Arroyo (9.95 ERA, 7.42 FIP, 4.79 xFIP; 1.50 K/BB)
versus
Travis Wood (3.00 ERA, 2.52 FIP, 3.13 xFIP; 4.75 K/BB)
Arizona Diamondbacks Lineup
1. Chris Owings, SS
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
4. Martin Prado, 3B
5. Cody Ross, RF
6. Mark Trumbo, LF
7. Miguel Montero, C
8. Tony Campana, CF
9. Bronson Arroyo, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Emilio Bonifacio, 2B
2. Luis Valbuena, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Nate Schierholtz, RF
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Ryan Sweeney, CF
7. Welington Castillo, C
8. Ryan Kalish, LF
9. Travis Wood, P