While I do think the “standings” discussion is meritorious, in the moment, and for today: crush the Orioles.
The Cubs go for the sweep of the first place team, and they’ll do it behind Tsuyoshi Wada. Why is that notable? Wada first came to the States on a multiyear deal with the Orioles before 2012. He immediately had Tommy John surgery, came back slowly, and the Orioles let him go after 2013. The Cubs scooped him up on a minor league deal, and you’ve seen how well he’s pitched since then. I don’t think there’s a “stick it to the Orioles” factor today, but I do think it’s going to be strange for the Orioles front office to finally see Wada in the big leagues … pitching against them.
Wada will pitch against Miguel Gonzalez, who was recently sent to AAA for a stretch, and is making his first big league start since the beginning of the month.
Game Info
Baltimore Orioles (73-54) at Chicago Cubs (57-72), 1:20 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
Miguel Gonzalez (3.69 ERA, 4.13 FIP, 4.18 xFIP; 2.54 K/BB)
versus
Tsuyoshi Wada (1.66 ERA, 3.54 FIP, 3.85 xFIP; 2.64 K/BB)
Baltimore Orioles Lineup
1. Nick Markakis, RF
2. Steve Pearce, 1B
3. Adam Jones, CF
4. Nelson Cruz, LF
5. J.J. Hardy, SS
6. Chris Davis, 3B
7. Caleb Joseph, C
8. Jonathan Schoop, 2B
9. Miguel Gonzalez, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Chris Coghlan, LF
2. Javier Baez, SS
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Luis Valbuena, 3B
5. Welington Castillo, C
6. Arismendy Alcantara, CF
7. Logan Watkins, 2B
8. Matt Szczur, RF
9. Tsuyoshi Wada, P