The big note on today’s game is Jorge Soler batting leadoff, discussed earlier. The second biggest note, however, is probably the return of Carlos Gomez, who’s been out with a hamstring strain since April 17 (that’s a really fast return for even a minor hamstring issue, actually). The Brewers are still without Jonathan Lucroy, but Gomez is right there in terms of the value he provides the team.
Hopefully Jake Arrieta makes Gomez’s return uncomfortable. Adam Lind also gets the start against the righty – he’s been the Brewers’ best hitter this year by far. No Aramis Ramirez again today, though.
Am I the only one who thought that today’s Brewers starter Mike Fiers was kind of a youngster? He’s actually 9 months older than Jake Arrieta.
Chris Denorfia gets the start in left field, so his hamstring must be feeling good again. Fiers is pretty much a split-neutral pitcher, so there’s not really a loss of a platoon advantage here.
Game Info
Milwaukee Brewers (5-18) at Chicago Cubs (13-8), 1:20 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
Mike Fiers (5.79 ERA, 4.88 FIP, 3.95 xFIP; 3.14 K/BB)
versus
Jake Arrieta (2.03 ERA, 2.57 FIP, 2.98 xFIP; 3.57 K/BB)
Milwaukee Brewers Lineup
1. Carlos Gomez, CF
2.Jean Segura, SS
3. Ryan Braun, RF
4. Adam Lind, 1B
5. Khris Davis, LF
6. Elian Herrera, 2B
7. Martin Maldonado, C
8. Hector Gomez, 3B
9. Mike Fiers, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Jorge Soler, RF
2. Dexter Fowler, CF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Kris Bryant, 3B
5. Miguel Montero, C
6. Starlin Castro, SS
7. Chris Denorfia, LF
8. Jake Arrieta, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B