The buzz will probably die down a bit today, but it takes only one swing to bring it back.
Edwin Jackson starts for the Cubs, with another opportunity to showcase himself for a possible – but unlikely – August trade.
Game Info
Tampa Bay Rays (56-59) at Chicago Cubs (49-65), 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
Jake Odorizzi (4.09 ERA, 3.46 FIP, 3.70 xFIP; 2.89 K/BB)
versus
Edwin Jackson (5.66 ERA, 4.21 FIP, 3.92 xFIP; 2.15 K/BB)
Tampa Bay Rays Lineup
(Due to anniversary commitments with The Wife, I had to get this post ready to go before the Rays’ lineup was announced. This is yesterday’s lineup, and, if you could post the actual lineup in the comments when it is released, I’d be much obliged.)
1. Desmond Jennings, CF
2. Ben Zobrist, RF
3. Brandon Guyer, LF
4. Evan Longoria, 3B
5. Sean Rodriguez, 1B
6. Yunel Escobar, SS
7. Curt Casali, C
8. Jake Odorizzi, P
9. Logan Forsythe, 2B
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Chris Coghlan, LF
2. Javier Baez, 2B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Starlin Castro, SS
5. Luis Valbuena, 3B
6. Arismendy Alcantara, CF
7. Justin Ruggiano, RF
8. Welington Castillo, C
9. Edwin Jackson, P