Well, here we are: The Cubs have Tyler Chatwood on the mound in a game they need to win to secure a four-game split against the red-hot Braves. Sigh. Here’s the Cubs lineup for the finale at Wrigley Field.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Carlos Gonzalez, RF
- Daniel Descalso, 2B
- Tyler Chatwood, P
This afternoon, the Braves are starting 21-year-old right-hander (and top-100 prospect) Bryse Wilson, who’s made one start and one relief appearance in the big leagues this season and another start plus two relief appearances last year. In the meantime, he’s been pitching at Triple-A, where he’s earned a 3.79 ERA with 79 strikeouts and just 16 walks in 78.1 IP.
And against the young righty, Joe Maddon has elected to dump a bunch of lefties.
After getting the day off, Kyle Schwarber is back in left field and atop the Cubs lineup. Anthony Rizzo is at first base. Jason Heyward is in center field. Victor Caratini gives the scorching Willson Contreras a breather behind the plate, Carlos Gonzalez is back out in right, and Daniel Deslcaso draws the start at second.
I still don’t think starting Descalso over David Bote right now is all that necessary (even against a righty), but lefty/righty matchups sustain Joe Maddon, so here we are. I really hope they win today. Go Cubs and as usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT).