NEWSLETTER
Well, the Cubs just got swept by the Pirates and Blue Jays, but at least they get to face different …
Oh. Pirates again. Neat.
We’re Going Streaking
The Cubs have lost six in a row, and they’ve done it in fairly ugly fashion, too. I checked in on the standings yesterday.
After sweeping the Cubs, the Pirates took three of four from the Phillies. They’ve got quite the generous schedule down the stretch, so they will have a real shot of catching up to the Cardinals in the NL Central, whom they trail by 2.5 games. They currently hold the second Wild Card spot by 1.5 games over the Brewers.
Game Times and Broadcasts
Expected Starters and Lineups
These lineups are likely to be pretty close to what actually gets fielded, but you’ll want to check each day’s Pre-Gamin’ post for the actual lineup.
Cubs
Starters: Tsuyoshi Wada (2.95 ERA, 3.85 FIP; 3.07 K/BB), Felix Doubront (2.25 ERA, 3.04 FIP; 1.64 K/BB), Jacob Turner (5.31 ERA, 3.91 FIP; 2.75 K/BB)
Lineup:
- Chris Coghlan, LF
- Javier Baez, SS
- Luis Valbuena, 3B
- Jorge Soler, RF
- Welington Castillo, C
- Arismendy Alcantara, CF
- Mike Olt, 1B
- Logan Watkins, 2B
- Pitcher
Pirates
Starters: Gerrit Cole (3.89 ERA, 3.50 FIP; 2.84 K/BB), Jeff Locke (3.60 ERA, 4.12 FIP; 2.44 K/BB), Edinson Volquez (3.36 ERA, 4.35 FIP; 1.92 K/BB)
Lineup:
- Josh Harrison, 3B
- Andrew Lambo/Travis Snider, RF
- Andrew McCutchen, CF
- Neil Walker, 2B
- Russell Martin, C
- Ike Davis, 1B
- Starling Marte, LF
- Jordy Mercer, SS
- Pitcher
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch
Unfortunately for Tsuyoshi Wada and Felix Doubront, they’ll be making their second consecutive start against the Pirates, which can be a tough thing to do. Jacob Turner didn’t face the Pirates last time out, but he did get slapped around a bit by the Blue Jays in Toronto.
There is a chance that Anthony Rizzo could return at some point this series. Just a chance.
Since July 19, Welington Castillo is hitting .256/.317/.429, which would make him solidly above average over the last couple months. And, for a catcher, that would be way above average.
Given his team’s playoff run and his gaudy numbers (.310/.402/.538), Andrew McCutchen will have a shot at another MVP this year, especially if Giancarlo Stanton’s season is over and if voters don’t want to give the award to a pitcher.
Jordy Mercer is hitting .310/.341/.667 over his last 11 games, and much of that damage came against the Cubs last week.
