I’d imagine that Jacob Turner is really appreciating Jorge Soler right now. Rather than feeling the pressure of attention on his first start with the Cubs, everyone is completely focused on the latest call-up. I’m genuinely excited to see both, even as I (understandably?) succumb to the uncontrollable urge to squeal about Soler’s debut, specifically.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Ok. We’re good now.
Don’t expect the moon from Soler right away (and, no, that’s not an oblique pun reference). He will probably show a more advanced approach than Javier Baez and Arismendy Alcantara, but even guys like Soler sometimes struggle in their first go around in the bigs. As it was with the guys before him, that’s kind of the point.
Of course, if he kills it right out of the gate, that would be fine, too.
As for Turner, it’s easy to forget that he is just 9 months older than Soler. He’s a youngin’, too.
Anthony Rizzo sits out tonight after the lower back issue that pulled him from the game last night. Hopefully a day off and a little treatment will get him back out there soon.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (59-72) at Cincinnati Reds (63-69), 6:10 CT on CSN.
Game Thread and Series Preview
Game threads now live here in the comments – and with Disqus, they should be even more enjoyable.
The Series Preview lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Jacob Turner (5.77 ERA, 3.93 FIP, 3.90 xFIP; 2.39 K/BB (Marlins and Cubs))
versus
Mat Latos (2.99 ERA, 3.44 FIP, 4.14 xFIP; 2.48 K/BB)
Cincinnati Reds Lineup
1. Billy Hamilton, CF
2. Todd Frazier, 1B
3. Brandon Phillips, 2B
4. Devin Mesoraco, C
5. Jay Bruce, RF
6. Kristopher Negron, 3B
7. Skip Schumaker, LF
8. Zack Cosart, SS
9. Mat Latos, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Chris Coghlan, LF
2. Javier Baez, 2B
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Luis Valbuena, 3B
5. Jorge Soler, RF
6. Welington Castillo, C
7. Arismendy Alcantara, CF
8. Chris Valaika, 1B
9. Jacob Turner, P