Boring jokes aside, this is a relatively big series for the Cubs.
As we know, they’ve been performing very well lately, winning games with contributions from the bullpen, the rotation, and the offense. And as it turns out, by a couple measures, they should actually (probably) be in first place right about now. But they’re not. The Cardinals are, and they’re coming to town for a three-game set starting in a few hours.
That’s where the good news comes in: With just a 2.5 game deficit, the Chicago Cubs could actually relieve the Cardinals of their position atop the NL Central this weekend. It would take a sweep – which is never easy – and would probably require both Yu Darvish and Kyle Hendricks to outperform their early-season selves, but it’s not impossible. This is your division. Go get it, Cubs.
We’re Going Streaking
The Chicago Cubs (16-12) just swept the Mariners, after winning four straight series against the Marlins, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Diamondbacks (again). They’re 7-3 in their last ten games, and have won four in a row.
The St. Louis Cardinals (20-11) have been one of the hottest teams in baseball lately, wining 8 of their past 10 games, but they did lose late yesterday, opening themselves up to a potential coup this weekend at Wrigley Field.
Game Times and Broadcasts Info
Chicago Cubs
Probable Pitchers:
Active Depth Chart:
Unavailable: Brandon Morrow, Xavier Cedeño, Tony Barnette, Mike Montgomery, Victor Caratini
St. Louis Cardinals
Probable Pitchers:
Active Depth Chart:
Unavailable: Carlos Martinez, Luke Gregerson
Keep An Eye Out For …
Cubs Pitcher: Kyle Hendricks has not gotten off to a great start this year, but if history has taught us anything, today might just be the day he begins to turn it around:
Kyle Hendricks has a history of turning things around – rather dramatically after his first five starts of the season. Today would be that day. pic.twitter.com/Tq398BkL4y
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) May 3, 2019
Cubs Player: Kyle Schwarber has a six-game hitting streak going, which includes four extra-base hits (three 2Bs, and a HR). I would absolutely love to see him keep that streak alive today.
Cardinals Pitcher: Adam Wainwright has made four starts of at least 6.0 IP this season, and, although the peripherals aren’t great (4.91 FIP), he has been getting fairly decent results (3.73 ERA). His last two starts were particularly good (and against good teams in Milwaukee and Washington, too): 12.1 IP, 10H, 3ER, 3BB, 8Ks. He has been prone to the long ball this year, with five given up already though, so maybe the Cubs can hit a few long balls on Sunday night.
Cardinals Player: Paul DeJong is slashing .333/.393/.585 (160 wRC+) this season, which, with his defense at shortstop, has made him the fourth most valuable player in baseball by WAR (2.2). Javy Baez is two spots behind him, clocking in at 1.6 WAR.