NEWSLETTER
The Padres are changing things up today, throwing rookie right-hander Walker Lockett out there for the second Major League start of his career, as the originally slated starter, Joey Lucchesi, was pushed back to tomorrow with a stomach illness.
Kind of a nice break for the Cubs.
Sure, Lockett isn’t the starter for whom the Cubs prepared, but he has given up six earned runs in 5.2 IP (one start, one relief apperance) and didn’t fare much better in the Minor Leagues this season (4.92 ERA, 19 starts). One thing working in Lockett’s favor, however, is his ability to throw strikes. He didn’t walk many guys down in Triple-A and that’s usually a pretty translatable skill (to an extent). The Cubs would be wise to just attack him early and often. My guess is we could see that Padres’ bullpen earlier than normal.
Kyle Hendricks is starting opposite Lockett, and he’s coming off a very good start against the Cardinals (although the roller coaster has continued all season). His last time out, he allowed just two earned runs on 4 hits and no walks over 7.0 IP. He struck out eight batters for the second time in a row and continues to enjoy a massive 4.86 K/BB ratio since June 27th. He’s also gotten a ton of soft contact and limited the hard stuff during that stretch, but could probably stand to get a few more grounders if he wants to be the full-on dominant version of himself.
I know 2018 hasn’t quite gone perfect for Hendricks (or Quintana for that matter), but honestly, all will be forgiven if these two guys really can just figure it out down the stretch.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (63-46) vs. San Diego Padres (43-69) – Saturday, August 4th at 1:20 CT on CSN-C, 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: Kyle Hendricks (R): 3.97 ERA, 4.38 FIP; 3.03 K/BB
versus
Padres: Walker Lockett (R):Â 9.53 ERA, 4.93 FIP; 0.67 K/BB
San Diego Padres:
- Jankowski, LF
- Manuel Margot, CF
- Eric Hosmer, 1B
- Hunter Renfroe, RF
- Austin Hedges, C
- Freddy Galvis, SS
- Christian Villanueva, 3B
- Cory Spangenberg, 2B
- Walker Lockett, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Ian Happ, CF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jose Quintana, P
- Addison Russell, SS
