NEWSLETTER
Later this afternoon, the undefeated Chicago Cubs will host the winless Milwaukee Brewers for the second of four three games at Wrigley Field. Yesterday’s game was postponed until May because of rain.
On Thursday, the Cubs were able to steal a win from the reigning NL Cy Young award winner, Corbin Burnes, but they’ll have another tough matchup against the hard-throwing righty, Brandon Woodruff, this afternoon. And unlike Burnes, Woodruff likes to work up in the zone with his four-seamer, which could be a particular challenge for a number of key offensive contributors from Opening Day (especially Ian Happ, Willson Contreras, and Seiya Suzuki).
Cubs lefty Justin Steele is getting a big-time opportunity to showcase his talent this afternoon, drawing the second start of the season against the division favorites at Wrigley Field.
A lot conspired to give Steele this shot – Marcus Stroman incidentally pitching third in the rotation, plus injuries to Wade Miley, Adbert Alzolay, and Alec Mills – but he also deserves this opportunity. He has a big season ahead of him and it all starts today. The key for Steele today is going to be command of his fastball up in the zone, something he struggled with at times this spring.
Fortunately, the bullpen wasn’t heavily taxed on Thursday (Hendricks went 5.1 innings), and the Cubs had the bonus day off. So with a couple of piggy-backs available, (maybe Jesse Chaves or Keegan Thompson?), I wouldn’t be surprised to see a quick hook.
Anyway, it sure would be swell to start the season off with two wins against two of the NL’s best pitchers. Let’s get it done, Cubs!
Game Info
Milwaukee Brewers (0-1) at Chicago Cubs (1-0) – Friday, April 8 at 1:20 CT on Marquee, MLBN, 670 The Score
Bet of the Day:
TBD
Starting Pitchers
Brewers: Brandon Woodruff (R)
versus
Cubs: Justin Steele (L)
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
1. Rafael Ortega, DH
2. Nick Madrigal, 2B
3. Willson Contreras, C
4. Ian Happ, LF
5. Frank Schwindel, 1B
6. Seiya Suzuki, RF
7. Jason Heyward, CF
8. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
9. Nico Hoerner, SS
Milwaukee Brewers:
1. Andrew McCutchen, DH
2. Willy Adames, SS
3. Christian Yelich, LF
4. Hunter Renfroe, RF
5. Keston Hiura, 1B
6. Tyrone Taylor, CF
7. Kolten Wong, 2B
8. Mike Brosseau, 3B
9. Victor Caratini, C
