NEWSLETTER
The Cubs head back to Wrigley to take on the Nationals, who are long over their early-season losing ways.
We’re Going Streaking
The Cubs dropped the series finale in Arizona to come back from their West Coast swing with a mere 3-3 split. That Diamondbacks series was a real kick in the the grapes, with each loss by just one run, and completely winnable. C’est la baseball. The Cubs fell back to 3.5 games behind the Cardinals.
The Nationals have won 19 of 24 and are insanely hot, as you would expect from probably the best team in baseball. Despite that, at 26-18 overall, they’re actually just 1.5 games better than the Cubs.
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: Tsuyoshi Wada (3.86 ERA, 3.34 FIP; 9.00 K/BB), Kyle Hendricks (4.14 ERA, 3.44 FIP; 4.14 K/BB), Jon Lester (3.56 ERA, 3.56 FIP; 3.40 K/BB)
Lineup:
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Starlin Castro, SS
- Miguel Montero, C
- Jorge Soler, RF
- Chris Coghlan, LF
- Pitcher
- Addison Russell, 2B
Nationals
Starters: Tanner Roark (2.66 ERA, 4.46 FIP; 1.40 K/BB), Jordan Zimmermann (3.52 ERA, 3.00 FIP; 3.27 K/BB), Max Scherzer (1.67 ERA, 2.02 FIP; 8.00 K/BB)
Lineup:
- Denard Span, CF
- Ian Desmond, SS
- Yunel Escobar, 3B
- Bryce Harper, RF
- Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
- Jose Lobaton/Wilson Ramos, C
- Dan Uggla/Danny Espinosa, 2B
- Michael Taylor, LF
- Pitcher
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch
Due to today’s travels, this section is getting short shrift – sorry.
The Cubs don’t really get much of a break in the Nationals’ rotation, having to face both Zimmermann and Scherzer in this one. Get ready for the Lester/Scherzer storylines on Wednesday.
Since May 6, Jorge Soler is hitting .300/.364/.429 with a 114 wRC+ (27.3% K rate). Since I know even more power is coming, I’m pretty thrilled with that line.
Bryce Harper is hitting .333/.471/.728, is currently the best, most dangerous hitter in baseball, and can do incredible things. Don’t let him Goldschmidt you, Cubs.
