The Brewers have been hilariously and almost historically awful so far this year, which, in years past, would make me nervous to see the Cubs facing them. But this Cubs team will crush bad teams.
Right … ?
We’re Going Streaking
Although the Cubs dropped the finale, the Cubs won their series against the Pirates, giving them four wins in their last five games. The Cubs are 12-8, 2.5 games behind the Cardinals.
The Brewers. They … have not had a great start to the season. With just 5 wins in their first 22 games, the Brewers are already 10.5 games behind the Cardinals. I’d say I can’t even fathom what it’s like to follow a team that falls that hard on its face in April, but I still remember the Cubs’ 0-14 start to the 1997 season. At least the Brewers are on a one-game winning streak.
Game Times and Broadcasts
And, if you’re not in the blackout region, you can always watch on MLB.tv.
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: Jon Lester (6.23 ERA, 2.27 FIP; 4.80 K/BB), Jake Arrieta (2.03 ERA, 2.59 FIP; 3.57 K/BB), Jason Hammel (3.55 ERA, 3.15 FIP; 23.00 K/BB)
Lineup:
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Jorge Soler, RF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Starlin Castro, SS
- Chris Coghlan, LF
- Miguel Montero/David Ross/Welington Castillo, C
- Pitcher
- Addison Russell, 2B
Brewers
Starters:Wily Peralta (5.04 ERA, 4.49 FIP; 2.00 K/BB), Mike Fiers (5.79 ERA, 4.89 FIP; 3.14 K/BB), Jimmy Nelson (4.03 ERA, 3.62 FIP; 2.00 K/BB)
Lineup:
- Jean Segura, SS
- Carlos Gomez, CF (if he’s back, his manager implied he wouldn’t lead off)
- Ryan Braun, RF
- Adam Lind, 1B
- Aramis Ramirez, 3B
- Khris Davis, LF
- Martin Maldonado, C
- Hector Gomez, 2B
- Pitcher
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch
I’d say that Chris Coghlan’s in a cold stretch, but, really, he’s been hitting the ball very hard. He might have had a few homers this past week in another park.
Jorge Soler, on the other hand, is unequivocally in a terribly cold (especially when it’s cold) stretch. Over his last seven games, in particular … oof. I’m not sure which is worse, the 9 wRC+ or the 48.4% strikeout rate. Here’s hoping a nice weekend at Wrigley – tomorrow is supposed to approach 60 degrees, and the weekend could feature 70s – helps him turn things around.
After a slow start, Miguel Montero has his season line up to .261/.333/.478.
Just about anywhere you look, the Brewers’ pitching has been ugly.
And if you look anywhere but Adam Lind (.333/.398/.577), the offense has been brutal. Such is the life of a 5-17 team.