NEWSLETTER
The Cubs will try to nail down the series today behind Edwin Jackson, who has the tall task of following up Jake Arrieta’s silly good start last night.
Junior Lake leads off for the Cubs today, which, like, whatever. We’re in developmental mode, and I’m not going to gripe too loudly about lineup decisions. Were the Cubs in the thick of a playoff race, I’d probably suggest it’s a questionable decision to lead off with a guy sporting a .273 (yes, .273) OBP. There aren’t a bunch of great options in this lineup, but, I mean, Luis Valbuena, yo.
Unrelated to the game, but the Cubs today activated lefty Zac Rosscup (shoulder) from the disabled list and optioned him back to AAA Iowa, where he’d been rehabbing. So he actually just stays where he is, and keeps on pitching. Rosscup has killer stuff, and will be back up as soon as a lefty spot opens up in the bullpen. He could easily be a nice piece for the Cubs for the next few years.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (27-38) at Philadelphia Phillies (28-37), 2:05 CT on CSN.
Game Thread and Series Preview
Game threads now live here in the comments – and with Disqus, they should be even more enjoyable.
The Series Preview lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Edwin Jackson (4.70 ERA, 3.54 FIP, 3.66 xFIP; 2.35 K/BB)
versus
David Buchanan (6.08 ERA, 4.56 FIP, 3.73 xFIP; 4.00 K/BB)
Philadelphia Phillies Lineup
1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Jimmy Rollins, SS
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Marlon Byrd, RF
6. Domonic Brown, LF
7. Carlos Ruiz, C
8. Reid Brignac, 3B
9. David Buchanan, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Junior Lake, CF
2. Justin Ruggiano, LF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Starlin Castro, SS
5. Luis Valbuena, 2B
6. Nate Schierholtz, RF
7. Mike Olt, 3B
8. Eli Whiteside, C
9. Edwin Jackson, P
