The Cubs have a big night on tap, with a game in New York against the Mets, and a few key draft picks to select.
The team faces Jacob deGrom and his flowing ‘do, and although his ERA is a bit ugly this year, it’s almost entirely attributable to the same kind of bloated HR/FB ratio a lot of pitchers are facing this season. Does that mean he – and, say, John Lackey? – is especially susceptible to the new reality of the fly ball revolution? Or is his 20.0% HR/FB ratio a mere fluke that will begin course-correcting as soon as tonight?
We shall see. We shall also see if Lackey can get through the first inning without allowing a run. If he does so, I will do a celebratory dance. If he does not, I will flog myself with 10 pushups per run.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (31-31) at New York Mets (28-33) – 6:10 CT on CSN, 670 The Score
Game Thread and Series Preview
Your game thread is down in the comments, so let’s have some good, clean (safe-for-work) fun today.
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: John Lackey (R): 5.12 ERA, 5.08 FIP, 4.06 xFIP; 3.43 K/BB
versus
Mets: Jacob deGrom (R): 4.75 ERA, 3.95 FIP, 3.24 xFIP; 3.13 K/BB
New York Mets:
- Curtis Granderson, CF
- Neil Walker, 2B
- Yoenis Cespedes, LF
- Jay Bruce, RF
- Lucas Duda, 1B
- Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
- Travis d’Arnaud, C
- Jose Reyes, 3B
- Jacob deGrom, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Jon Jay, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Addison Russell, SS
- John Lackey, P