After a near season-long slump, Starlin Castro has finally been bumped down in the order. He’ll bat seventh tonight, with better-OBP-option Luis Valbuena moving up to number two. Maybe the move will help Castro feel less pressure, and get back to doing what he does best: hitting line drives.
Scott Feldman faces a relatively tough lineup tonight, and the Cubs face a relatively tough pitcher.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (23-32) at Anaheim Angels (25-33), 9:05 CT on WGN.
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
Scott Feldman (5-4, 2.82 ERA, 3.92 FIP)
versus
Jered Weaver (1-1, 3.71 ERA, 4.30 FIP)
Anaheim Angels Lineup
1. Erick Aybar, SS
2. Mike Trout, CF
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Mark Trumbo, DH
5. Josh Hamilton, RF
6. Howie Kendrick, 2B
7. Alberto Callaspo, 3B
8. Chris Iannetta, C
9. J.B. Shuck, LF
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. David DeJesus, CF
2. Luis Valbuena, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano, DH
5. Nate Schierholtz, RF
6. Ryan Sweeney, LF
7. Starlin Castro, SS
8. Welington Castillo, C
9. Darwin Barney, 2B