The Cubs kept on rolling yesterday with a 1-0 win over the Reds, but the pitching staff won’t be able to blank everyone forever. This group needs to find ways to score runs without some of their primary offensive weapons, and they need to start today!
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Joc Pederson, LF
2. Kris Bryant, 1B
3. Javy Baez, SS
4. Ian Happ, CF
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. Rafael Ortega, RF
7. David Bote, 3B
8. Eric Sogard, 2B
9. Zach Davies, P
The first thing I looked for today was Anthony Rizzo’s name penciled back into the lineup, but no dice. The Cubs first baseman continues to be sidelined – but off the IL (it’s more complicated than usual because of how many players are injured at the moment) – and the Cubs offense is worse without him. Nico Hoerner, Jake Marisnick, Matt Duffy, and Jason Heyward are all still out too. So Kris Bryant continues to be the first baseman, yesterday’s hero, David Bote, sticks at third, and Rafael Ortega is playing right field.
At least today’s Reds starter, Luis Castillo, has been an absolute mess lately, allowing five or more earned runs in 4 of 10 starts this year . (and four or more earned ruins in 6 of 10). That accounts for a 7.61 ERA through 47.1 innings pitched – a far, far cry from his All-Star 2019 season.
I should note, however, that one of his best games came against the Cubs (naturally), and we’ve already addressed how banged up they are. So it’s tough to say who has the edge.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT).
Luis Castillo: