NEWSLETTER
Back home to start the final homestand of the season. Jorge Soler returns from paternity leave, and Anthony Rizzo could return this series, too.
We’re Going Streaking
The Cubs broke a seven-game losing streak in Pittsburgh, but they still lost the series.
The Reds have long fallen out of playoff contention, and stand right there on the cusp of an unprotected pick. There’s not much to play for in this series besides respect, development, and, well, the joy of baseball.
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: Travis Wood (5.03 ERA, 4.51 FIP; 1.89 K/BB), Jake Arrieta (2.82 ERA, 2.41 FIP; 3.69 K/BB), Kyle Hendricks (2.38 ERA, 3.30 FIP; 2.79 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
Reds
Starters: Alfredo Simon (3.48 ERA, 4.38 FIP; 2.29 K/BB), Johnny Cueto (2.15 ERA, 3.28 FIP; 3.73 K/BB), Daniel Corcino (5.19 ERA, 5.54 FIP; 3.50 K/BB)
Lineup:
- Billy Hamilton, CF
- Todd Frazier, 3B
- Brandon Phillips, 2B
- Devin Mesoraco, C
- Jay Bruce, RF
- Ryan Ludwick, LF
- Brayan Pena, 1B
- Zack Cosart, SS
- Pitcher
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch
Mike Olt has hit .259/.375/.370 since his return to the big team, which is obviously swell, especially the huge 12.5% walk rate. It comes with a .412 BABIP, though. Perhaps that’s balancing out a little of his early season BABIP troubles.
Jorge Soler is back after a paternity leave. I haven’t heard word on the baby’s arrival, but congrats, presumably.
Arismendy Alcantara has 6 homers in his last 82 plate appearances. That’s a 40+ homer pace over a full season.
The Reds’ manager has indicated that his team will be playing a lot of September call-ups in this series, so get ready to watch some guys you’ve never heard of – September baseball for non-competitors!
Dat Arrieta-Cueto match-up, tho.
Oh, no way, you mean Alfredo Simon can’t sustain an ERA almost 2 points lower than his FIP for an entire season?
