NEWSLETTER
The Cubs couldn’t possibly lock up a series win today against the Dodgers, could they? It’ll take a nice start from Chris Volstad, who’s subbing for Matt Garza (who’ll hopefully go tomorrow – he’s sick, and Travis Wood has been brought in from Iowa just in case (which would raise the specter of a really awkward roster move – presumably you wouldn’t DL Garza just to miss one start with a virus, so who would you send down (knowing that you can’t call them back up for 10 days)? Really tricky). Volstad has yet to really have a great start, so maybe today’s the day. Not exactly an easy lineup to dominate, though.
Chris Capuano draws the start for the Dodgers. He’s been kind of awesome this year, but is coming back from a second Tommy John surgery. He’s not really been able to throw a ton of pitches this year, so it would be *really* nice if the Cubs could work some counts today.
Super Joe draws a start, which I know will tickle many of you. Welington Castillo is still on the bench after Dale Sveum said he expected to start Castillo more than he’d been starting Steve Clevenger. Hard to argue it, though, as it looks like Geovany Soto might finally be coming out of his slump.
Jeff Baker remains on the bench against a lefty, while Ian Stewart starts at third. If Baker isn’t going to start today, why even have him on the roster? Just sayin’ I don’t like the Cubs throwing three lefties out there against Capuano, who has a very pronounced career lefty/righty split.
Game Info
Los Angeles Dodgers (17-9) at Chicago Cubs (10-16), 1:20pm CT on CSN.
Game Thread and Series Preview
The Game Thread lives here. You should participate in the madness. And, of course, for those who aren’t into message board-style game threads, please feel free to use the comments on this post for your in-game commentary/outbursts.
The Series Preview for this series lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Chris Capuano (3-0, 2.73 ERA, 3.75 FIP)
versus
Chris Volstad (0-3, 6.11 ERA, 3.22 FIP) (interesting contrast between the two pitchers there, huh?)
Los Angels Dodgers Lineup
1. Dee Gordon, SS
2. Mark Ellis, 2B
3. Matt Kemp, CF
4. Andre Ethier, RF
5. Bobby Abreu, LF
6. Jerry Hairston, Jr., 3B
7. James Loney, 1B
8. Matt Treanor, C
9. Chris Capuano, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. David DeJesus, RF
2. Joe Mather, CF
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Bryan LaHair, 1B
5. Alfonso Soriano, LF
6. Ian Stewart, 3B
7. Darwin Barney, 2B
8. Geovany Soto, C
9. Chris Volstad, P
