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In his first start of the season, Tyler Chatwood reminded folks why the Cubs gave him a three year deal a couple winters ago. With improved command and a little more reliance on his cutter, he was able to fool hitters all afternoon to the tune of eight strikeouts and just two walks.
In his first start of 2020, Chatwood threw his cutter 30.9% of the time, which is a lot more than he's usually thrown it throughout his career (with the exception of July, 2018). https://t.co/LrFHYfh9qr pic.twitter.com/QCk0T0Al1u
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) July 31, 2020
He did allow some hard contact and several line drives, but on the whole it was a brilliant, dominant performance from a starter who’s always had the ability to do exactly that. Let’s hope we see more of that today and throughout the season. Remember, if Tyler Chatwood is actually good this year, the Cubs rotation will look entirely different in reality than it did on paper entering the season. And maybe there’s even a future there beyond his current deal, which expires at the end of this season.
Go Cubs.
Game Info
Pittsburgh Pirates (2-5) at Chicago Cubs (5-2) – Saturday, August 1st at 7:15 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Pirates: Mitch Keller (R)
versus
Cubs: Tyler Chatwood (R)
Chicago Cubs:
1. Ian Happ, CF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Javy Baez, SS
4. Kyle Schwarber, LF
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Nico Hoerner, 2B
8. David Bote, 3B
9. Victor Caratini, DH
Pittsburgh Pirates:
1. Adam Frazier, 2B
2. Kevin Newman, SS
3. Josh Bell, 1B
4. Colin Moran, DH
5. Bryan Reynolds, LF
6. Gregory Polanco, RF
7. Phillip Evans, 3B
8. Jarrod Dyson, CF
9. John Ryan Murphy, C