NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Cubs have won five out of their last six games, including their last three in a row. They’re making the best of their lighter, early season schedule and that should continue today against the last place Braves.
As I mentioned earlier, David Ross will get his third start in a row today, albeit not on consecutive days (thanks to the Wednesday night’s rain out).
Obviously, Ross isn’t a starting-calibre catcher for a full season, but right now he’s swinging it pretty well. Over his 35 plate appearances (a small sample, yes), for example, Ross has slashed .269/.364/.538 with a 14.3% walk rate.
That’ll do just fine.
Jon Lester takes the mound for the Cubs today, and he’ll look to continue a very strong start to the season. Opposing him is righty Aaron Blair. Blair, 23, came up through the Diamondbacks system, but was traded to the Braves in the lopsided Shelby Miller deal. He made his Major League debut earlier this season, giving up six hits and three earned runs over 5.1 IP.
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Game Info
Atlanta Braves (5-17) at Chicago Cubs (16-5), 1:20 CT on CSN, 670 The Score.
Game Thread and Series Preview
Your game thread is down there in the comments, so have fun. But keep it “safe for work” type fun, all right?
The Series Preview lives here. The Lineup Discussion lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: Jon Lester (L): 1.98 ERA, 3.40 FIP, 3.09 xFIP; 4.60 K/BB
versus
Braves: Aaron Blair (R): 5.06 ERA, 3.86 FIP, 6.14 xFIP; 0.50 K/BB
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Atlanta Braves Lineup
1. Nick Markakis, RF
2. Daniel Castro, SS
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Adonis Garcia, 3B
5. Jeff Francoeur, LF
6. Tyler Flowers, C
7. Erick Aybar, 2B
8. Drew Stubbs, CF
9. Aaron Blair, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Jason Heyward, RF
3. Ben Zobrist, 2B
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Jorge Soler, LF
6. Javier Baez, 3B
7. Addison Russell, SS
8. David Ross, C
9. Jon Lester, P
