Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread (DELAYED: 2:15 CT)

April 24, 2022, by Michael Cerami Chicago Cubs

UPDATE: Delayed by rain for now, but I think they’ll get this one in:

The start of today's #Cubs-Pirates game is delayed due to rain.

We will provide an updated start time as information becomes available. pic.twitter.com/Iwp9b3CXzJ

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 24, 2022

UPDATE II: We’ll start this one at 2:15 CT.

Today's #Cubs-Pirates game will start at approximately 2:15 p.m. CDT. pic.twitter.com/XKsKqg1niy

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 24, 2022

This afternoon, the Chicago Cubs have a chance to salvage this four-game series against the Pirates. That said, calling a split with the Pirates at home a “salvage” is pretty generous. And remember, after the off-day tomorrow, the Cubs schedule is about to get VERY tough.

In any case, Justin Steele is on the mound this afternoon, following his first bad start of the season against the Rays. Steele was locked in early in that one, but he lost his fastball command up above the zone around the third inning, so that’s what I’ll have my eye on this afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Cubs have not faced JT Brubaker yet this year, but he’s a very beatable starting pitcher with traditional (and fairly significant) lefty/righty splits. Through his first three starts of the year (12.1 innings), Brubaker has walked 9 batters and allowed 10 earned runs on 11 hits. Given how good the Cubs have been at taking their walks, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a more passive approach until Brubaker proves he can throw strikes.

GO CUBS.

Game Info

Pittsburgh Pirates (7-8) at Chicago Cubs (7-8) – Sunday, April 24 at 1:20 CT on Marquee, 670 The Score

Starting Pitchers

Pirates: JT Brubaker (R)

versus

Cubs: Justin Steele (L)

Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):

1. Rafael Ortega, DH
2. Seiya Suzuki, RF
3. Willson Contreras, C
4. Ian Happ, LF
5. Frank Schwindel, 1B
6. Jonathan Villar, SS
7. Jason Heyward, CF
8. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
9. Nick Madrigal, 2B

Pittsburgh Pirates:

1. Diego Castillo RF
2. Bryan Reynolds DH
3. Ke’Bryan Hayes 3B
4. Michael Chavis 2B
5. Yoshi Tsutsugo 1B
6. Roberto Perez C
7. Kevin Newman SS
8. Jake Marisnick CF
9. Ben Gamel LF

Filed to: Chicago Cubs