Junior Lake slots into the lineup today against lefty Jeff Locke, in the spot that would normally be occupied by Chris Denorfia. Is it just a matter of getting Lake a start while he’s up, or something particular about Locke? Or is Denorfia not quite 100%? (UPDATE: Yes, it appears Denorfia is not quite 100%.)
Whatever the case, here’s hoping Lake makes the most of his opportunity.
Travis Wood starts for the Cubs as the latest back-to-back face-the-Pirates thing. It doesn’t seem to bother Jason Hammel last night, so let’s see if Wood can do the same.
Interestingly, Hammel and Wood had their starts swapped after this weekend’s rainout in Cincinnati, which allowed Welington Castillo to start today and catch Wood against a lefty (while Miguel Montero caught Hammel last night against a righty). Nicely done, Mr. Maddon.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (11-7) at Pittsburgh Pirates (11-9), 7:05 CT on WPWR (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
Jeff Locke (3.32 ERA, 2.29 FIP, 3.33 xFIP; 3.75 K/BB)
versus
Travis Wood (3.24 ERA, 3.68 FIP, 4.02 xFIP; 2.83 K/BB)
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup
1. Josh Harrison, 3B
2. Jordy Mercer, SS
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Corey Hart, 1B
5. Starling Marte, LF
6. Neil Walker, 2B
7. Francisco Cervelli, C
8. Sean Rodriguez, RF
9. Jeff Locke, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Jorge Soler, RF
4. Kris Bryant, 3B
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Junior Lake, LF
7. Welington Castillo, C
8. Travis Wood, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B