If at first you don’t succeed …
… hope that Tanaka can’t pitch both halves of a doubleheader.
Not that it gets much easier for the Cubs, with big, young righty Michael Pineda going for the Yankees this evening. He’s been on the shelf with shoulder issues for a long time, but, he’s back now, and he’s looked great. (Insert pine tar joke.)
Travis Wood will face a lightened Yankees lineup, with some guys getting rest after the earlier game (Derek Jeter returns from a few games off). Hopefully Wood takes advantage, and continues the solid start to his season.
The Cubs load up on a few more lefties in this one, though Darwin Barney slots in at second base.
The players will be honoring Jackie Robinson today, wearing number 42. Yesterday’s rainout was unfortunate in that regard, but, whatever: you can celebrate Jackie Robinson any day you please.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (4-9) at New York Yankees (8-6), 6:05 CT on WGN, MLBN.
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
Travis Wood (2.92 ERA, 2.65 FIP, 2.75 xFIP; 2.92 K/BB)
versus
Michael Pineda (1.50 ERA, 2.72 FIP, 3.54 xFIP; 5.00 K/BB)
New York Yankees Lineup
1. Brett Gardner, CF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Carlos Beltran, DH
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Yangervis Solarte, 2B
6. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
7. Scott Sizemore, 3B
8. Kelly Johnson, 1B
9. J.R. Murphy, C
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Emilio Bonifacio, CF
2. Ryan Sweeney, LF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Nate Schierholtz, DH
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Luis Valbuena, 3B
7. Welington Castillo, C
8. Ryan Kalish, RF
9. Darwin Barney, 2B