NEWSLETTER
I’d apologize for this series preview coming later than usual, but (1) I don’t think anyone noticed and (2) how was I supposed to fill out the lineup cards or probable starters for either team?
The Cubs have traded Anthony Rizzo, Javy Baez, Kris Bryant, Jake Marisnick, Craig Kimbrel, Andrew Chafin, Ryan Tepera, and Trevor Williams. While the Nationals have traded Yan Gomes, Josh Harrison, Max Scherzer, Trea Turner, Jon Lester, Kyle Schwarber, Daniel Hudson, and Brad Hand. That’s 16 players. Big players. Starters, closers, star infielders. From both teams. What a wild trade deadline.
Now what’s left of the Cubs and Nationals will play three games in D.C.
We’re Going Streaking
The Chicago Cubs (50-54) just lost three games in a row and six of their last ten. They’re 11.5 games out of first place and 4 games under .500. The Washington Nationals (47-55) have also lost six of ten and are 7.5 games out in their division. As the trade deadline indicated, both teams are totally out of the race.
Game Times and Broadcasts Info
• Friday, July 30th at 6:05 CT on MARQ, MLBN, 670 The Score
• Saturday, July 31st at 6:05 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
• Sunday, August 1st at 12:05 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Paolo Espino vs. TBD
Game 2: TBD vs. Kyle Hendricks (R)
Game 3: TBD vs. Adbert Alzolay (R)
Chicago Cubs
• C – Willson Contreras
• 1B – Patrick Wisdom
• 2B – David Bote
• 3B – Matt Duffy
• SS – Sergio Alcantara
• LF – Ian Happ
• CF – Rafael Ortega
• RF – Jason Heyward
Unavailable: Jake Arrieta, Dillon Maples, Nico Hoerner, Rowan Wick, Jonathan Holder, Austin Romine, Jose Lobaton, P.J. Higgins, Kohl Stewart, Brad Wieck, Nick Madrigal
Washington Nationals
• C – Tres Barrera
• 1B – Josh Bell
• 2B – Luis Garcia
• 3B – Carter Kieboom
• SS – Alcides Esobar
• LF – Yadiel Hernandez
• CF – Andrew Stevenson
• RF – Juan Soto
Unavailable: Alex Avila, Austin Voth, Kyle McGowin, Jordy Mercer, Stephen Strasburg, Luis Avilan, Steven Fuentes, Will Harris
By the Numbers:
Run Differential:
Cubs: -32
Nationals: -26
Runs Scored Per Game:
Cubs: 4.20
Nationals: 4.38
Runs Allowed Per Game:
Cubs: 4.51
Nationals: 4.64
Keep An Eye Out For …
Patrick Wisdom has been heating up and developing right before our eyes.
Since July 6th, Patrick Wisdom is slashing .276/.354/.568 (143 wRC+) with a 10.8 BB%, 35.4 K%, and 5 homers.
Overall, he's slashing .268/.335/.605 (147 wRC+), which leads all MLB rookies. His 1.7 WAR ranks fourth among all rookies and 2nd in the NL.
He could legit be NL ROY.
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) July 30, 2021
It would be nice if Adbert Alzolay could get some lefties out on Sunday. I still won’t care about the results until after he’s had a full offseason to develop his brand new cutter or fine tune that changeup. But it would be great if it happened even sooner.
That’s all I got. It’s been too much of a day for any more.
