The Cubs’ losing streak has reached nine, and Dale Sveum has decided to shake things up. Starlin Castro is back in the two-hole, and Joe Mather has bounced Tony Campana from center field, and bats third. Whether that’s a permanent change remains to be seen. Adrian Cardenas also gets a start, but that’s more about resting Ian Stewart and his wrist issue (long-term issue dating back to last year) than about changing things up.
Ryan Dempster is still looking for his first win of the year. I doubt he wants that streak to stretch into June.
Given that Clint Barmes’ OPS isn’t even over .500 at this point, you can expect him to be your killer this series.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (15-29) at Pittsburgh Pirates (20-24), 6:05pm 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
Ryan Dempster (0-2, 2.28 ERA, 2.83 FIP)
versus
A.J. Burnett (2-2, 4.78 ERA, 3.48 FIP)
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup
1. Jose Tabata, LF
2. Josh Harrison, RF
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Pedro Alvarez, 3B
5. Neil Walker, 2B
6. Matt Hague, 1B
7. Rod Barajas, C
8. Clint Barmes
9. A.J. Burnett, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. David DeJesus, RF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Joe Mather, CF
4. Bryan LaHair, 1B
5. Alfonso Soriano, LF
6. Adrian Cardenas, 3B
7. Darwin Barney, 2B
8. Koyie Hill, C
9. Ryan Dempster, P