NEWSLETTER
The Cubs head the nation’s capital for a four-game set against the Nationals, whom the Cubs just played to a 2-1 series loss last week at Wrigley.
We’re Going Streaking
After losing a couple against the Nationals, the Cubs split a rain-shortened two-game set against the Royals, but then dropped two of three to the Marlins. Oof. One of these series, this ugly stretch is going to end. Not sure if it ends in Washington in four games against one of the best teams in baseball, though.
The Nationals did lose two of three to the Blue Jays, for what it’s worth, dropping them into a tie in the NL East with the Mets. They’re still damn good.
Game Times and Broadcasts
And, if you’re not in the blackout region, you can always watch on MLB.tv.
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: Jake Arrieta (3.18 ERA, 2.90 FIP; 4.79 K/BB), Tsuyoshi Wada (2.30 ERA, 3.49 FIP; 3.80 K/BB), TBA (probably Kyle Hendricks), TBA (probably Jason Hammel)
Lineup:
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Junior Lake, RF
- Miguel Montero, C
- Starlin Castro, SS
- Chris Coghlan, LF
- Pitcher
- Addison Russell, 2B
Nationals
Starters: Gio Gonzalez (4.73 ERA, 3.04 FIP; 2.67 K/BB), TBA, TBA, TBA (Thanks to Stephen Strasburg’s injury, a rainout, and a doubleheader, the Nats’ rotation is all screwy right now. Unfortunately for the Cubs, rotation fill-in Taylor Jordan pitched last night, so they won’t get him; Max Scherzer and Jordan Zimmermann both pitched on Tuesday, June 2nd, so unless one is going to throw on short rest, at least the Cubs will miss one of them.)
Lineup:
- Denard Span, CF
- Ian Desmond, SS
- Yunel Escobar, 3B
- Bryce Harper, RF
- Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
- Wilson Ramos, C
- Danny Espinosa, 2B
- Michael Taylor, LF
- Pitcher
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch
Due to today’s travels, this section is getting short shrift – sorry.
The Cubs didn’t do a whole lot to hang their hats on in Miami, so I wouldn’t have a lot of glowing stuff to say here anyway. Starlin Castro had a productive offensive series in Miami, so there’s that.
Bryce Harper’s numbers are still comical: .333/.471/.718.
Their second best hitter has probably been Denard Span – who killed the Cubs at Wrigley – at .305/.346/.489. He’s been dealing with a balky knee, though.
