We can discuss the pitching matchups today in a second, but this seems like the more pressing piece of information:
Out. No team flags today with possible 40+ mph wind gusts on the horizon. 1p @WGNTV. pic.twitter.com/x4DSyer5cu
— Len and JD (@lenandjd) May 9, 2018
That was an image from just after 11:00 am, and, as we all know, the winds can change quickly and dramatically at Wrigley Field, but yeesh.
Fortunately, despite Jose Quintana’s struggles/inconsistency this season, he is posting the highest ground ball rate he’s had since 2015 and the second highest since becoming a full-time starter in 2012. Keeping the ball on the ground (or striking guys out) will be the key to today’s game.
Speaking of which …
Wei-Yin Chen's 38.6% career GB% is the 29th lowest mark in MLB since he debuted in 2012. His 40% FB% is the 30th highest. Against righties (career), Chen's GB% rate drops to 36.3% and his FB% goes up to 42.2%.
He's only facing one lefty today. Get that ball up, Cubs. https://t.co/lmMKe6oy3Y
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) May 9, 2018
Like I said, get that ball up, righties.
Game Info
Miami Marlins (13-22) at Chicago Cubs (18-15) – 1:20 CT on WGN, 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: Jose Quintana (L): 4.99 ERA, 4.65 FIP; 1.69 K/BB
versus
Marlins: Wei-Yin Chen (L): 4.82 ERA, 8.51 FIP; 0.83 K/BB
Miami Marlins Lineup:
- Miguel Rojas, SS
- Martin Prado, 3B
- Starlin Castro, 2B
- Brian Anderson, RF
- Justin Bour, 1B
- Cameron Maybin, LF
- Lewis Brinson, CF
- Bryan Holaday, C
- Wei-Yin Chen, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora, CF
- Kris Bryant, RF
- Javier Baez, 2B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- David Bote, 3B
- Ian Happ, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jose Quintana, P