There’s no off-day this time around, and maybe the Cubs will come out a little stronger tonight against the Indians. They’ll be on the road this time, with a DH named Schwarber in tow.
Tsuyoshi Wada gets the start against a tough Indians lineup, and this might be his last chance to rebound before the Cubs get serious about trying something else in the 5-hole. No one’s looking for Wada to go eight or nine shutout innings, but five or six and giving up a couple runs? I’d take that from a fifth starter in an AL park.
Although the Cubs have had to use relievers aggressively lately, with the rainout on Monday, and with none of Pedro Strop, Hector Rondon, Jason Motte or Travis Wood pitching yesterday (and with Yoervis Medina coming up), the team should be in a good position to win this one late if the offense and Wada keep ’em in it.
UPDATE: Miguel Montero has been scratched with a back issue, and David Ross will be filling in, with the lineup changing. I am out with The Little Girl right now, so I’m sure someone in the comments can apprise folks of the new lineup when it comes out.
Game Info
Cleveland Indians (30-33) at Chicago Cubs (34-28), 6:10 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
Tsuyoshi Wada (4.84 ERA, 4.63 FIP, 3.74 xFIP; 2.67 K/BB)
versus
Shaun Marcum (4.09 ERA, 5.05 FIP, 3.98 xFIP; 3.00 K/BB)
Cleveland Indians Lineup
1. Jason Kipnis, 2B
2. Francisco Lindor, SS
3. Michael Brantley, CF
4. Carlos Santana, 1B
5. Ryan Raburn, DH
6. Yan Gomes, C
7. Brandon Moss, RF
8. Giovanny Urshela, 3B
9. Mike Aviles, LF
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Miguel Montero, C
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Chris Coghlan, LF
7. Chris Denorfia, RF
8. Kyle Schwarber, DH
9. Addison Russell, 2B