NEWSLETTER
Here’s the thing: The Chicago Cubs have already wrapped up a series win against the Padres – their second consecutive series win, at that – and that’s all we’re supposed to want. After all, if you simply take the season series-by-series, you’ll be happier by the end.
But I’m greedy. I want all three games, and that means I want a win this afternoon.
Eddie Butler is starting for the Cubs today, and despite his own struggles, he’s starting against a very beatable pitcher in Miguel Diaz. Diaz, 22 and a rookie, has made just two starts this season and 21 appearances out of the pen. So far, as a starter, he hasn’t been able to get out of the fourth inning, and he’s allowed four earned runs in 5.1 innings pitched. He’ also struggled pretty badly against left-handers, which is why he’ll be greeted by four of them today.
And then there’s Butler, whom we discussed in the series preview earlier this week. In short, Butler had strung together a couple of nice starts heading into his most recent game against the Pirates. In that one, Butler cruised through the first five innings, before the wheels came off in the sixth. Some argued that he was left out there a bit too long, and that seems to have been the case, but his first five and a half innings were really strong, and point to some good things to come. With a slightly shorter leash and an easier match-up today, I’d be willing to bet Butler gives the Cubs a good shot at winning by the time he comes out.
Come on, Cubbies. Give us that sweep!
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (36-34) at San Diego Padres (28-44) – 1:20 CT on WGN, MLBN, 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: Eddie Butler (R): 4.41 ERA, 4.60 FIP, 5.28 xFIP; 1.17 K/BB
versus
Padres: Miguel Diaz (R): 7.36 ERA, 6.54 FIP, 5.57 xFIP; 1.41 K/BB
San Diego Padres:
- Jose Pirela, 2B
- Franchy Cordero, CF
- Wil Myers, 1B
- Hunter Renfroe, RF
- Cory Spangenberg, 3B
- Erick Aybar, SS
- Matt Szczur, LF
- Luis Torrens, C
- Miguel Diaz, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Kris Bryant, RF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Ian Happ, 2B
- Tommy La Stella, 3B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Eddie Butler, P
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
