Alec Mills had an impressive first turn in the rotation last week, changing location and speed often with five useful pitches, and tonight, he’ll get a chance to prove it wasn’t a fluke.
Speaking of which, Jose Quintana, whose spot Mills has taken in the rotation, is working his way back from injury, but given both Q’s expiring contract and the outlook of the Cubs rotation beyond 2020, Mills has a real chance to retain this spot all year long. Indeed, given the Cubs bullpen issues and Quintana’s more limited arsenal, a trip to the bullpen upon return could be the most net-positive outcome for Chicago.
Behind Mills is Kris Bryant leading off (but in left field), as David Bote files in at third base. As for the Royals, old friend Jorge Soler bats second, where he’s once again been smoking the ball. Oh, and hey, Mills is an old friend of the Royals. So there are lots of friends tonight. Friendship is great.
The Cubs have a three-game winning streak heading into tonight. Let’s see if they can keep it up. Go Cubs.
Game Info
Kansas City Royals (3-7) at Chicago Cubs (7-2) – Monday, August 3rd at 7:30 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score. (Originally scheduled for 7:15, by the way, but the rain pushed it back a bit.)
Starting Pitchers
Royals: Danny Duffy (L)
versus
Cubs: Alec Mills (R)
Chicago Cubs:
1. Kris Bryant, LF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Javy Baez, SS
4. Willson Contreras, C
5. Kyle Schwarber, DH
6. David Bote, 3B
7. Jason Heyward, RF
8. Nico Hoerner, 2B
9. Ian Happ, CF
Kansas City Royals:
1. Whit Merrified, 2B
2. Jorge Soler, DH
3. JRyan O’Hearn, 1B
4. Salvador Perez, C
5. Franchy Cordero, RF
6. Maikel Franco, 3B
7. Alex Gordon, LF
8. Adalberto Mondesi, SS
9. Brett Phillips, CF