The storms in the area skirted the earlier game today, allowing the Cubs to lose – with grace – to the Reds. They’ll try again this evening, and it should be very interesting.
That’s because Tsuyoshi Wada makes his stateside debut after a long and successful career in Japan, and then a long and successful recovery from Tommy John surgery, which took place immediately upon arriving on the Orioles’ roster two years ago. He’s 33, but he’s been effective at AAA, and could emerge as a medium-term piece for the Cubs (i.e., next couple years) if that effectiveness translates at the big league level.
That’s the question with Wada, of course, who does not throw hard and relies on location, command, and changing speeds to keep hitters off balance. We’ll see how it plays tonight against the Reds.
The Cubs will face a fellow lefty making his debut. David Holmberg is a 22-year-old Reds pitching prospect who is making his debut on the 2014 season.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (38-50) at Cincinnati Reds (47-42), 6:10 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
Tsuyoshi Wada (MLB Debut)
versus
David Holmberg (Season Debut)
Cincinnati Reds Lineup
1. Billy Hamilton, CF
2. Todd Frazier, 3B
3. Brandon Phillips, 2B
4. Jay Bruce, 1B
5. Ryan Ludwick, LF
6. Skip Schumaker, RF
7. Zack Cosart, SS
8. Tucker Barnhart, C
9. David Holmberg, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Junior Lake, CF
2. Justin Ruggiano, RF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Starlin Castro, SS
5. Welington Castillo, C
6. Mike Olt, 3B
7. Chris Coghlan, LF
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Tsuyoshi Wada, P