Chris Rusin makes his big league debut tonight for the Cubs, and he’ll be the 9th rookie pitcher to throw a ball for the Cubs this season. His upside is relatively limited, but Rusin is absolutely a theoretical candidate for the back-end of the rotation in 2013. His audition starts tonight.
To make room for Rusin on the 40-man, the Cubs transferred Matt Garza (sigh) to the 60-day disabled list. To make room for Rusin – and newly-acquired reliever Alex Hinshaw – on the 25-man, the Cubs sent Jeff Beliveau and Adrian Cardenas to Iowa. They’ll both be back when rosters expand in September, and who knows, maybe Cardenas will actually get an at bat or two!
Both lineups tonight are a carbon copy of last night, save for the pitchers.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (47-74) at Milwaukee Brewers (55-66), 7:10 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 Rusin (debut)
versus
Marco Estrada (0-5, 4.52 ERA, 4.11 FIP)
Milwaukee Brewers Lineup
1. Norichika Aoki, RF
2. Rickie Weeks, 2B
3. Ryan Braun, LF
4. Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5. Corey Hart, 1B
6. Jonathan Lucroy, C
7. Carlos Gomez, CF
8. Jean Segura, SS
9. Marco Estrada, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. David DeJesus, RF
2. Josh Vitters, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Welington Castillo, C
7. Brett Jackson, CF
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Chris Rusin, P