Nick Madrigal hasn’t been in the last couple starting lineups, but he’s back in there (and leading off) tonight for Game 2 against the Brewers, with the left-hander Eric Lauer on the mound.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Nick Madrigal, 2B
2. Willson Contreras, DH
3. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
4. Seiya Suzuki, RF
5. Frank Schwindel, 1B
6. Yan Gomes, C
7. Ian Happ, LF
8. Michael Hermosillo, CF
9. Nico Hoerner, SS
SP: Justin Steele (LHP)
Lauer, 26, has allowed just 1 earned run in his last two starts (12.0 IP), with 18 strikeouts against just two walks, which … dang. Just when you think you’re lucky for missing Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta.
Lauer flashed this level of dominance at times last season, sure, but he appears to be especially locked in right now; even his fastball is averaging ~1.5 MPH more this season than last. And while I don’t blame David Ross for going all-righty against this left-handed pitcher, it is worth noting that Lauer has carried pretty significant reverse splits for his career:
vs. LHH: .291/.365/.455 (.353 wOBA); 16.0 BB%
vs. RHH: .248/.315/.402 (.309 wOBA); 23.9 K%
I mean, look at the difference in the strikeout rate, alone. So, yeah, this has the makings of another tough game in what has turned out to be a very poor start to the season.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:10 CT).