By my count, Kyle Hendricks has pitched just one inning since March 30, thanks to the necessary wind-down of Spring Training, the Cubs’ odd early schedule, and the postponed game. Undoubtedly he’s been doing his normal throwing on the side, and also brushing up extensively on these Rockies. Hopefully there are no signs of rust, and Hendricks can do today what he did to the Rockies last August at Coors.
Hendricks gets a little bonus with Troy Tulowitzki out of the starting lineup for a breather.
The Cubs’ lineup undergoes another change, as Mike Olt is out, as expected, after his brush with wrist-terror last night. Replacing him, against righty Jordan Lyles, is not Tommy La Stella or Arismendy Alcantara (who is playing second). It’s Jonathan Herrera. La Stella hasn’t played since starting both of the games against the Cardinals.
Is La Stella under the weather? Does Joe Maddon just want to see Herrera get a start? Is Herrera’s glove at third preferred with Hendricks on the mound? Is it about getting Herrera at start at his old park? About taking advantage of Herrera’s split? (He’s a switch hitter, but better, in his career, against righties.)
Unless/until we hear otherwise, I’m going to assume it’s just a matter of rotating the work, and not forcing Herrera to sit too much while he’s on the roster (keep everyone fresh and ready). I just really liked the way La Stella was swinging the bat in those two Cardinals games, even if the results weren’t there. Surprised he’s not going to get a start in any of these three Rockies games.
UPDATE: It’s an injury thing.
La Stella bothered by sore oblique all weekend. Cubs don't believe it's serious but reluctant to use him yet if they can avoid it.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) April 12, 2015
Back to the original post …
From there, Jorge Soler and Anthony Rizzo switch spots in the lineup (I like it), Chris Coghlan and Miguel Montero switch (OK), and Arismendy Alcantara bumps up to 7th (OK).
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (2-2) at Colorado Rockies (4-1), 3:10 CT on WGN-9 (or your local affiliate), 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
Kyle Hendricks (2.46 ERA, 3.32 FIP, 3.92 xFIP; 3.13 K/BB (2014))
versus
Jordan Lyles (3.00 ERA, 3.23 FIP, 4.23 xFIP; 2.00 K/BB)
Colorado Rockies Lineup
1. Charlie Blackmon, CF
2. Carlos Gonzalez, RF
3. Nolan Arenado, 3B
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Corey Dickerson, LF
6. Michael McKenry, C
7. Daniel Descalso, SS
8. Jordan Lyles, P
9. D.J. LeMahieu, 2B
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Jorge Soler, RF
4. Chris Coghlan, LF
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Miguel Montero, C
7. Arismendy Alcantara, 2B
8. Jason Hammel, P
9. Jonathan Herrera, 3B