So today isn’t actually Keegan Thompson’s first big league start … but it sorta feels that way.
His first start was the necessary byproduct of an early-May double-header against the Dodgers, and that had more of a bullpen-day vibe. But today? Today is the culmination of a carefully crafted plan that saw Thompson make his way through the minor leagues, up to the show as a reliever, back down to Triple-A to stretch out, and finally back in Chicago with a legitimate chance to earn a permanent spot in the rotation.
We don’t need today to go perfectly, and I actually think the Cubs were forced into calling him up a little sooner than expected (Alzolay’s injury, Arrieta’s release). But I am really excited to be going to this one to get a good sense of his start in person.
Go Cubs.
Game Info
Kansas City Royals (53-68) at Chicago Cubs (54-70) – Saturday, August 21st at 1:20 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Royals: Kris Bubic (L)
versus
Cubs: Keegan Thompson (R)
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
1. Rafael Ortega, CF
2. Frank Schwindel, 1B
3. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
4. Matt Duffy, SS
5. David Bote, 2B
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Robinson Chirinos, C
8. Michael Hermosillo, LF
9. Keegan Thompson, P
Kansas City Royals:
1. Whit Merrifield, 2B
2. Nicky Lopez, SS
3. Salvador Perez, C
4. Carlos Santana, 1B
5. Andrew Benintendi, LF
6. Michael Taylor, CF
7. Ryan O’Hearn, RF
8. Emmanuel Rivera, 3B
9. Kris Bubic, P