Two straight exciting wins for the Cubs, together with the excitement that attended Arismendy Alcantara’s promotion and Anthony Rizzo winning the final vote for the All-Star Game, and it’s been a, well, exciting few days.
And now Edwin Jackson starts against the Braves.
I know, there’s probably an easy joke there, but I’m not going to make it. I’ll say only that it would be great if Jackson could put together a solid, end-to-end outing today.
Alcantara remains in the starting lineup, this time playing in center field. Don’t run into the wall, Arismendy.
I’ll be at this game, though not in my usual RF bleacher spot. I’m with a Braves fan friend, so we’ll be taking things in from behind the Braves’ dugout. This trip is his first time to Wrigley Field, so it’s cool to see the experience through the eyes of another team’s fan. You think this place isn’t special? You’re wrong.
Game Info
Atlanta Braves (50-43) at Chicago Cubs (40-52), 3:05 CT on WGN.
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
Mike Minor (4.54 ERA, 4.53 FIP, 3.59 xFIP; 3.22 K/BB)
versus
Edwin Jackson (5.05 ERA, 3.84 FIP, 3.91 xFIP; 2.09 K/BB)
Atlanta Braves Lineup
1. B.J Upton, CF
2. Andrelton Simmons, SS
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Justin Upton, LF
5. Jason Heyward, RF
6. Chris Johnson, 3B
7. Tommy La Stella, 2B
8. Christian Bethancourt, C
9. Mike Minor, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Arismendy Alcantara, CF
2. Justin Ruggiano, RF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Starlin Castro, SS
5. Welington Castillo, C
6. Chris Coghlan, LF
7. Mike Olt, 3B
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Edwin Jackson, P