NEWSLETTER
The Cubs are back in action tonight, heading to Cleveland for two games. Which take place on a Tuesday and Wednesday. In Cleveland. Am I making the point loudly enough?
We’re Going Streaking
The Chicago Cubs (10-3) – The Cubs are off to a hot start, but they just sat down for four thanks to the Cardinals outbreak. Hopefully there are no signs of rust.
The Cleveland Indians (10-7) – The Indians are mid-tier in a surprisingly strong AL Central (so far, anyway), though they’ve won five of six heading into yesterday’s off-day.
Game Times and Broadcasts Info
• Tuesday, August 11 at 6:10 CT on FS1, MARQ, 670 The Score
• Wednesday, August 12 at 5:10 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Jon Lester (L) v. Adam Plutko (R) (not Mike Clevinger)
Game 2: Kyle Hendricks (R) v. Carlos Carrasco (R)
Chicago Cubs
• C – Willson Contreras
• 1B – Anthony Rizzo
• 2B – Nico Hoerner/Jason Kipnis
• 3B – Kris Bryant
• SS – Javy Baez
• LF – Kyle Schwarber
• CF – Ian Happ
• RF – Jason Heyward
• DH – Victor Caratini (and David Bote works in by way of other movement here)
Unavailable: Brad Wieck, James Norwood, Jose Quintana, Daniel Descalso
Cleveland Indians
• C – Sandy Leon
• 1B – Carlos Santana
• 2B – Cesar Hernandez
• 3B – Jose Ramirez
• SS – Francisco Lindor
• LF – Bradley Zimmer/Jordan Luplow
• CF – Delino Deshields, Jr.
• RF – Oscar Mercado/Domingo Santana
• DH – Franmil Reyes
Unavailable: Roberto Perez, Tyler Naquin
Keep An Eye Out For …
Cubs Pitcher: Jon Lester has had incredible results through two starts so far this year, but it’s come almost entirely on the strength of good results on balls in play. He’s “earned” those results in the sense that neither start featured much besides crap contact from his opponents, but eventually, balls find holes.
Cubs Player: Since the first series of the year, when he legitimately did look off, Kris Bryant has hit .250/.400/.500 (158 wRC+) in his last 30 plate appearances. He’s probably fine, which is to say, for him, he’s probably gonna keep raking.
Indians Pitcher: Having kicked cancer’s ass last year, Carlos Carrasco is back to kicking ass on the field. Through three starts this year, the long-time Indians righty has allowed just five earned runs over 18.0 innings of work. He’s struck out 23 while walking just 6, and allowed only 12 hits. He’s good now that he’s healthy again.
Indians Player: Speaking of being good again, Jose Ramirez had back-to-back years in 2017 and 2018 where he was looking like a legit MVP candidate before falling way off at the plate last season. This year, he’s right back up to .273/.351/.515 (138 wRC+) while playing his typically very solid defense at third.
