The Cubs have already won this series, so anything they get today is just gravy … but I still really want them to win. And whaddaya know, they’re getting to face Ivan Nova, fresh of the disabled list, today instead of the originally slated starter, Joe Musgrove.
Nova, 31, has never been a stellar pitcher, but he’s struggling with his results more than usual this season (4.96 ERA), even though his peripherals are right in line with his career (4.27 FIP). I don’t think it’s necessary going to stay that way though, because his batted ball/contact data looks fine and he’s getting as many ground balls as ever (50.7%). He is struggling against left-handers this season (.385 wOBA) though, so maybe the Cubs southpaws can do some damage.
Also of note: Nova doesn’t ever strike anyone out, but he doesn’t walk guys either. So prepare to be at the mercy of the BABIP gods today.
Kyle Hendricks is starting for the Cubs today and he’s coming off one of his weaker starts of the season. However, once we dug into the numbers behind the numbers, we learned that it probably wasn’t all that bad. Hendricks was clearly dealing with some command issues – he even said he’s be making a slight adjustment before this start – and even lost some velocity – though that could’ve been related – but he’s always one of the most well-prepared, mindful pitchers in baseball. If there was something to fix between starts, I’d expect him to do it.
A win today would make it five in a row!
Game Info
Pittsburgh Pirates (31-33) at Chicago Cubs (37-24) – 1:20 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: Kyle Hendricks (R): 3.59 ERA, 4.48 FIP; 3.35 K/BB
versus
Pirates: Ivan Nova (R): 4.96 ERA, 4.27 FIP; 4.70 K/BB
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup:
- Jordy Mercer, SS
- Austin Meadows, RF
- Starling Marte, CF
- Francisco Cervelli, C
- David Freese, 3B
- Josh Bell, 1B
- Gregory, P
- Sean Rodriguez, 2B
- Ivan Nova, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Chris Gimenez, C
- Kyle Hendricks, P