You’ll have to forgive an abbreviated Series Preview, what with all the activity today …
Suffice it to say, it would be mighty nice if the Cubs could find a way to win three of these games.
We’re Going Streaking
The Cubs managed to take two of three from the Rockies after that stunning, horrible sweep at the hands of the Phillies. Maybe that’s a good sign?
The Brewers have lost six of their last eight, but, before that, they were about the hottest team in baseball for a solid month.
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 (2.61 ERA, 2.61 FIP; 4.55 K/BB), Jason Hammel (3.20 ERA, 3.16 FIP; 5.09 K/BB), Kyle Hendricks (3.81 ERA, 3.36 FIP; 4.22 K/BB), TBA
Lineup (probably gonna start changing frequently):
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, C/LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Jorge Soler, RF
- Chris Coghlan, LF/RF
- Starlin Castro, SS
- Pitcher
- Addison Russell, 2B
Brewers
Starters: Jimmy Nelson (3.97 ERA, 4.09 FIP; 2.32 K/BB), Taylor Jungman (2.14 ERA, 3.23 FIP; 2.42 K/BB), Matt Garza (5.20 ERA, 4.74 FIP; 1.50 K/BB), Kyle Lohse (6.24 ERA, 5.10 FIP; 2.86 K/BB)
Lineup:
- Gerardo Parra, LF
- Jonathan Lucroy, C
- Ryan Braun, RF
- Adam Lind, 1B
- Carlos Gomez, CF (?)
- Scooter Gennett, 2B
- Jean Segura, SS
- Hernan Perez, 3B
- Pitcher
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch
Presumably, the Brewers will have Carlos Gomez for this series after a trade with the Mets fell through last night. Will his head be in the right place, though? Will it affect his play? Am I just being hopeful?
The Brewers will be without Aramis Ramirez, though, whom they traded to the Pirates earlier this month.
For the Cubs, Dexter Fowler remains scorching hot, and Kyle Schwarber is starting to get time in the outfield. Maybe we finally see the offense coming around? It’s gonna take Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, in particular, to heat up, though. Bryant hit his first career homer in Milwaukee after a long homerless stretch to start his career, so …
Can’t wait to see who fills that TBA for the Cubs. Probably an addition, but could also be Tsuyoshi Wada or Clayton Richard.