The Cubs’ offense has yet to show up, but the dam could break at any moment. Perhaps a little switch in the lineup will help? Miguel Montero moves up to four, with Starlin Castro bumping down to five, and Mike Olt bumping down to seven. I suppose the nice thing with three catchers is that if, late in the game, the Rockies try to neutralize Rizzo/Montero with a lefty, you won’t know for sure that you’re going to face Montero.
Kyle Kendrick has been fairly poor in his career against both righties and lefties, but lefties in particular. That’s another reason to get all the lefties up there earlier. I like it.
Jason Hammel makes his season debut in a place he spent several years, quietly pitching relatively well. Here’s hoping he’s got the slider working, racks up the strikeouts, and keeps the ball down.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (1-2) at Colorado Rockies (4-0), 7:10 CT on CSN+ and MLB.tv.
Game Thread and Series Preview
Your game thread is down there in the comments, so have fun.
The Series Preview lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Jason Hammel (3.47 ERA, 3.92 FIP, 3.57 xFIP; 3.59 K/BB (2014))
versus
Kyle Kendrick (0.00 ERA, 1.58 FIP, 2.42 xFIP; 6.00 K/BB)
Colorado Rockies Lineup
1. Charlie Blackmon, CF
2. Carlos Gonzalez, RF
3. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Nolan Arenado, 3B
6. Corey Dickerson, LF
7. Nick Hundley, C
8. D.J. LeMahieu, 2B
9. Kyle Kendrick, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Jorge Soler, RF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Miguel Montero, C
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Chris Coghlan, LF
7. Mike Olt, 3B
8. Jason Hammel, P
9. Arismendy Alcantara, 2B