NEWSLETTER
We’ve got ourselves an early game today and this one will be started by Adrian Sampson, who I’m told is the Cubs starter.
Sampson, 29, has been starting in Iowa this season and last started in the majors for the Rangers back in 2019. Brett explained more of his story right here if you’re interested.
Sampson, 29, came to the Cubs on a minor league deal back in May, he’s been a steady if unspectacular starter since (4.96 ERA over 14 starts and 81.2 innings). That’s more or less what he was in his recent turn in South Korea, and in his time with the Rangers before that. It does not appear that he’s a guy who is likely to break out, and instead might just be a guy who peaks as a near-league-average PCL/KBO pitcher.
So, while I think it’s great for him, personally, that he is getting another big league shot, I don’t think this is a situation to monitor in terms of him possibly being a guy for the 2022 Cubs rotation. He’s filling in a start or two because the Cubs need him. That’s about the size of it.
Michael Hermosillo is also making his Cubs starting debut.
Go Cubs.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (53-69) at Cincinnati Reds (65-56) – Wednesday, August 18th at 11:35 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Reds: Tyler Mahle (R)
versus
Cubs: Adrian Sampson (R)
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
1. Rafael Ortega, CF
2. Frank Schwindel, 1B
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Matt Duffy, 3B
5. David Bote, 2B
6. Michael Hermosillo, RF
7. Robinson Chirinos, C
8. Sergio Alcantara, SS
9. Adrian Sampson, P
Cincinnati Reds:
1. Jonathan India, 2B
2. Joey Votto, 1B
3. Nick Castellanos, RF
4. Mike Moustakas, 3B
5. Aristides Aquino, LF
6. Tyler Naquin, CF
7. Jose Barrero, SS
8. Tucker Barnhart, C
9. Tyler Mahle, P
