Jason Berken, like Chris Rusin and Justin Germano before him (yup, that’s a theme, folks), is trying to get into management’s head when they think about 5th starter options for 2013. He could use a good start after a rough first outing with the Cubs.
Alfonso Soriano gets the day off after finally reaching 30/100.
The Reds’ lineup is of the all-bench variety that Dusty Baker was so famous for when he was with the Cubs. He’s not actually managing the Reds today, though. He’s in the hospital with a heart murmur, and Chris Speier will manage today, as he did yesterday.
You’ve got a softball coming your way, Berken.
Game Info
Cincinnati Reds (90-59) at Chicago Cubs (58-91), 1:20 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
Johnny Cueto (17-9, 2.92 ERA, 3.21 FIP)
versus
Jason Berken (0-1, 7.20 ERA, 11.90 FIP)
Cincinnati Reds Lineup
1. Xavier Paul, LF
2. Miguel Cairo, 1B
3. Henry Rodriguez, 2B
4. Todd Frazier, 3B
5. Chris Heisey, RF
6. Denis Phipps, CF
7. Ryan Hanigan, C
8. Didi Gregorius, SS
9. Johnny Cueto, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. David DeJesus, CF
2. Darwin Barney, 2B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Bryan LaHair, LF
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Luis Valbuena, 3B
7. Welington Castillo, C
8. Dave Sappelt, RF
9. Jason Berken, P