NEWSLETTER
It seems like the Cubs face a first place team every other series.
At least now the Cubs get to do it at Wrigley Field, and with the All-Star break looming.
We’re Going Streaking
The Cubs finally shook off that losing streak and won a fun one in Cincinnati yesterday. The rest of the stuff I could put here … is not pretty.
With a win yesterday, the Braves pulled back into a virtual tie with the Nationals atop the NL East. Like the Cubs, that win followed a losing streak that itself followed a nice stretch of winning.
Game Times and Broadcasts
Expected Starters and Lineups
These lineups are likely to be pretty close to what actually gets fielded, but you’ll want to check each day’s Pre-Gamin’ post for the actual lineup.
Cubs
Starters: Jake Arrieta (1.78 ERA, 2.06 FIP; 4.16 K/BB), Edwin Jackson (5.05 ERA, 3.84 FIP; 2.09 K/BB), Travis Wood (4.64 ERA, 4.20 FIP; 1.89 K/BB)
Lineup (trying to slot Alcantara in there without losing Ruggiano or Coghlan):
- Chris Coghlan, LF
- Arismendy Alcantara, 2B/CF (?)
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Starlin Castro, SS
- Luis Valbuena, 3B
- Nate Schierholtz, RF
- Justin Ruggiano, CF (?) Barney (?)
- Welington Castillo, C
- Pitcher
Braves
Starters: Alex Wood (3.14 ERA, 3.47 FIP; 3.80 K/BB, Mike Minor (4.54 ERA, 4.53 FIP; 3.22 K/BB), Julio Teheran (2.57 ERA, 3.35 FIP; 3.93 K/BB)
Lineups:
- B.J. Upton, CF
- Andrelton Simmons, SS
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Justin Upton, LF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Chris Johnson, 3B
- Tommy La Stella, 2B
- Christian Bethancourt/Gerald Laird, C
- Pitcher
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch
Jake Arrieta makes his final start in the first half, and I hope it’s a perfect game. Because he could totally do that, and I’ll be there.
Arismendy Alcantara sticks around for this series, and hopefully he starts all three games – because why not?
Two guys to watch in this one: James Russell and Wesley Wright. The Braves certainly will be.
In his short time with the Braves so far, Tommy La Stella has a .377 OBP.
Since June 24, B.J. Upton has a 102 wRC+, which is a huge win for him at this point. That contract continues to look like a real clunker.
