The Cubs beat Clayton Kershaw last night with a mostly bullpen game, which means two things: (1) they can beat Zack Greinke tonight, and (2) it would help if Jason Hammel goes deep.
Dexter Fowler is out of the starting lineup, but not yet on the disabled list. That means the Cubs are at least considering their options, and there’s a chance he’ll avoid a prolonged absence. I suppose he’s technically available as a pinch hitter, though I’d be really surprised if he’s used as anything other than a decoy. Not worth risking it. Short bench tonight is the lesser of two evils.
Speaking of which, it’s pretty hilarious if you compare the Dodgers’ bench to the Cubs’.
Game Info
Los Angeles Dodgers (39-32) at Chicago Cubs (38-30), 7:05 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
Zack Greinke (1.81 ERA, 2.95 FIP, 3.23 xFIP; 4.88 K/BB)
versus
Jason Hammel (2.89 ERA, 3.09 FIP, 3.14 xFIP; 6.14 K/BB)
Los Angeles Dodgers Lineup
1. Yasiel Puig, RF
2. Joc Pederson, CF
3. Howie Kendrick, 2B
4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
5. Yasmani Grandal, C
6. Andre Ethier, LF
7. Alberto Callaspo, 3B
8. Jimmy Rollins, SS
9. Zack Greinke, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Chris Coghlan, LF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Miguel Montero, C
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Mike Baxter, RF
7. Matt Szczur, CF
8. Jason Hammel, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B