This has been quite a season, hasn’t it?
Last year the Cubs experienced almost full health and productivity from the majority of guys in the lineup and rotation throughout the season. This year, however, multiple key-players have hit the disabled list (Ben Zobrist, Jason Heyward, Kyle Hendricks, etc.) while others have experienced significant set-backs (Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell, Jake Arrieta, John Lackey, etc.). It just hasn’t been easy, in any sense of the word, but maybe that means it’ll feel well-earned in the end … right?
One of those guys who’s experienced some set-backs, Arrieta, is on the mound tonight for the Cubs. In each of his last two starts, he’s failed to get out of the fifth inning and has allowed a combined six runs. His strikeout (25.7%) and walk (7.5%) rate continue to be fairly excellent, but opponents are hitting him (.256 average) and hitting him hard (32.4% hard hit rate). He has dealt with some injury issues (a cut on his thumb) and some sweating (….) issues, but he’s been far from himself this year overall. Hopefully, that changes tonight, but remember, the Marlins have a potent lineup.
Jeff Locke is on the bump for the Marlins tonight, and they handled him well enough last time out (4.2 IP, 3ER, 4BB, 3Ks). I’d love to see the Cubs bounce back immediately from their winnable loss yesterday and keep the momentum moving forward. Let’s go.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (36-35) at Miami Marlins (32-38) – 6:10 CT on CSN+, 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: Jake Arrieta (R): 4.64 ERA, 4.08 FIP, 3.76 xFIP; 3.44 K/BB
versus
Marlins: Jeff Locke (R): 4.58 ERA, 3.54 FIP, 4.04 xFIP; 3.00 K/BB
Miami Marlins:
- Dee Gordon, 2B
- Giancarlo Stanton, RF
- Christian Yelich, CF
- Marcell Ozuna, LF
- Justin Bour, 1B
- J.T. Realmuto, C
- Derek Dietrich, 3B
- JT Riddle, SS
- Jeff Locke, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Addison Russell, SS
- Ian Happ, LF
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Javier Baez, 2B
- Jake Arrieta, P
- Mark Zagunis, RF