Angels in the Outfield … And the Infield, Dugout, and Bullpen: April 12 – 14, 2019

When I looked at the Cubs 2019 schedule over the offseason, I circled this series on the calendar in big red ink. It’s not too often the greatest player in baseball history, Mike Trout, makes his way to Wrigley Field – especially because the Angels, are, like never in the playoffs (poor saps). So it was something I wanted to see in person.

So I’ll be there on Saturday and I’m very excited (even though Trout might actually be injured!). It’s also my first game of the year, too, so there’s that.

I’ve actually seen Trout play in-person only once and it was during Spring Training 2016, for just a couple of at-bats. I did strike him out in both, though, so I guess that’s pretty impressive. I’m basically the best pitcher in MLB history, by default then, right? Your words not mine.

We’re Going Streaking

The Chicago Cubs (4-8) started the year out with a brutal 1-6 stretch, but have since gone 3-2 against the Brewers and Pirates, with some nice performances out of the bullpen and rotation to boot. However, they’ve also lost some key players to injury along the way (Jon Lester, Mike Montgomery, Victor Caratini), so … it’s been a bit of a mixed bag, even in this past week.

The Los Angeles Angels (7-6) just swept the red-hot Milwaukee Brewers and I could just kiss them on the mouth. Now if they could just shut down that momentum for the weekend, that’d be great.

Game Times and Broadcasts Info

  • Friday, April 12 at 1:20 CT on CSC, MLBN, 670 The Score
  • Saturday, April 13 at 1:20 CT on ABC-7, 670 The Score
  • Sunday, April 14 at 1:20 CT on WGN, 670 The Score
  • Chicago Cubs

    Probable Pitchers:

  • Cole Hamels (5.73 ERA, 4.65 FIP; 3.00 K/BB)
  • Kyle Hendricks (6.48 ERA, 7.30 FIP; 2.00 K/BB)
  • Tyler Chatwood (6.00 ERA, 5.77 FIP; 1.20 K/BB)
  • Active Depth Chart:

  • C – Willson Contreras
  • 1B – Anthony Rizzo
  • 2B – Daniel Descalso/Ben Zobrist
  • 3B – Kris Bryant
  • SS – Javy Baez
  • LF – Kyle Schwarber
  • CF – Albert Almora/Jason Heyward
  • RF – Jason Heyward/Ben Zobrist
  • Unavailable: Addison Russell, Brandon Morrow, Xavier Cedeno, Tony Barnette, Mike Montgomery, Jon Lester, Victor Caratini

    Los Angeles Angels

    Probable Pitchers:

  • Tyler Skaggs: 2.45 ERA, 3.56 FIP; 3.50 K/BB
  • Chris Stratton: 6.48 ERA, 6.34 FIP; 0.33 K/BB
  • Trevor Cahill: 3.50 ERA, 3.99 FIP; 8.00 K/BB
  • Active Depth Chart:

  • C – Jonathan Lucroy
  • 1B – Justin Bour/Albert Pujols
  • 2B – Tommy La Stella
  • 3B – Zack Cozart
  • SS – Andrelton Simmons
  • LF – Peter Bourjos
  • CF – Mike Trout
  • RF – Kole Calhoun
  • Unavailable: Andrew Heany, Michael Hermosillo, Shohei Ohtani, Nick Tropeano, Justin Upton, Kenyan Middleton

    Keep An Eye Out For …

    Cubs Pitcher: Tyler Chatwood. How can all eyes not land on Chatwood this weekend. With Jon Lester and Mike Montgomery both out at the same time, Chatwood is getting another opportunity to start so soon into the 2019 season. I don’t think any of us really expected that to happen, but here we are. It does help that he’s looked better in each of his last two multi-inning appearances out of the bullpen. Who knows, maybe he’ll pull it together for a few solid innings.

    Cubs Player: Kyle Schwarber has hit a bit of a wall, here, eh? After a really nice stretch (with his power on full display), Schwarber has just one hit in his last 12 plate appearances, with a six-straight-strikeout stretch mixed in. It’s a small slump, and let’s hope it dies small.

    Angels Pitcher: Trevor Cahill (former Cub) has had a fantastic start to the season, with three straight 6.0 IP starts. He’s walked just two batters total, while striking out 16. Teams have been able to elevate off him a bit, which means he hasn’t been perfect, but he’s certainly been very good. Hopefully, the Cubs have enough familiarity with him to know what he’s bringing.

    Angels Player: Mike Trout is actually dealing with a groin injury right now and might not be ready for today’s game. Indeed, last I checked they’re still considering a trip to the injured list, though he’s reportedly day-to-day. Sigh. I – personally – want him to play.

    written by

    Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

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