NEWSLETTER
Cubs vs Braves — Six of the Cubs next ten games come against the Atlanta Braves, and the first three are on the road starting tonight. And while the Cubs did recently get Seiya Suzuki, Cody Bellinger, and Justin Steele back, they also recently lost Dansby Swanson, Daniel Palencia, and Yency Almonte, who’s actually been one of their most trusted relievers so far.
So that hurts, especially because Adbert Alzolay still isn’t right, and Keegan Thompson has allowed 10 runs to score in his last 3.0 IP (7 earned).
At least the Cubs are enjoying some nice offensive performances from Cody Bellinger, Nico Hoerner, and Christopher Morel here lately. And even Mike Tauchman is keeping pace. Since last Sunday, Tauchman has more walks (7) than strikeouts (5), plus two doubles. That’s more than enough to stay in the leadoff role for the first and third game in this series (versus the righties), with Hoerner sliding back up for the middle start against Chris Sale.
Meanwhile, Ian Happ is slowly-but-surely coming out of his slump, with a 101 wRC+ and a .362 OBP this month. The strikeouts are still an issue, but there’s been some positive momentum there. And in the meantime, his defense in left has had real value.
Hopefully, now that both Bellinger and Suzuki are back, Happ can find some stability in the lower part of the order with a little less pressure to be THE bat in the heart of the order.
As for the pitching matchups, the Cubs do have Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon going this week, and they’ve both been wonderful this season. Unfortunately, the Braves are starting their three hottest starting pitchers in Reynaldo Lopez, Chris Sale, and Charlie Morton. I hate to say it, but with those matchups, with the Cubs injuries, and with the series being in Atlanta, I think you’d have to be happy just avoiding a sweep.
Looking ahead, the Cubs travel will start to ease up after this series, with games in Chicago or at least the NL Central. And while the quality of opponent theoretically eases up after the second Braves series, there’s a whole lot of divisional implications starting up right after that. The season is kicking into full gear. Buckle up.
Cubs vs Braves – Pitching Probables:
Game 1: Monday, May 13 at 6:20 CT at Truist Park
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, MLBN, 670 The Score
Game 2: Tuesday, May 14 at 6:20 CT at Truist Park
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
Game 3: Wednesday, May 15 at 6:20 CT at Truist Park
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, MLBN, 670 The Score
