NEWSLETTER
Another short series against the Tigers. The first time around, in Detroit, the Cubs played one of their best games of the year, and one of their worst.
We’re Going Streaking
The Cubs are riding a one-game losing streak, which is their longest in weeks.
The Tigers sold off at the deadline, and they’ve lost three straight series. They’re in third place in the AL Central, way behind the Royals, but only 4.5 back in the Wild Card. Thing is, basically every team in the AL is closer. Still, they aren’t a terrible team.
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: Jason Hammel (3.10 ERA, 3.41 FIP; 4.63 K/BB), Jon Lester (3.21 ERA, 2.87 FIP; 4.14 K/BB)
Lineup (probably gonna keep changing frequently):
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Chris Coghlan, 2B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Jorge Soler, RF
- Miguel Montero, C
- Pitcher
- Addison Russell, SS
Tigers
Starters: Anibal Sanchez (4.95 ERA, 4.65 FIP; 2.83 K/BB), Daniel Norris (4.76 ERA, 4.17 FIP; 2.50 K/BB)
Lineup:
- Ian Kinsler, 2B
- Jose Iglesias, SS
- Miguel Cabrera, 1B
- J.D. Martinez, RF
- Tyler Collins, LF
- Nick Castellanos, 3B
- James McCann, C
- Anthony Gose, CF
- Pitcher
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch
How about Anthony Rizzo since July 29? .397/.486/.845 with a .544 wOBA and a 257 wRC+. And he’s homered once every 10 plate appearances during that stretch.
Justin Grimm: 1.34 ERA, 2.13 FIP, 2.16 xFIP. He’s so valuable. Remember when he was out earlier this year with a forearm issue and the Cubs’ bullpen really struggled?
Miguel Cabrera got back for the Tigers just in time to face the Cubs. Neat.
J.D. Martinez has remained broken out for the Tigers, having hit .286/.348/.546 this year after blowing up last year.
Tigers pitching is pretty bad this year across the board, so hopefully the Cubs’ bats will be able to keep their roll going.
