Justin Steele is back on the mound for the Cubs this evening, following two bad starts at Wrigley Field against the Rays (2.2 IP, 4ER) and Pirates (3.0 IP, 3ER). Although he clearly has some the look of a starter – and is still early on in his career – Steele has been trending in the opposite direction since his strong start to the season against the Brewers and Rockies (combined): 9.1 IP, 9H, 2ER, 3BB, 9Ks.
The good news is that the Brewers aren’t a particularly impressive offensive club (he says after they scored 11 runs in the opener), and that’s doubly-true against left-handed pitchers, like Steele, this season: .199/.257/.357 (84 wRC+). Also good news? Steele did have success against them earlier this year. The bad news is the aforementioned trajectory of Steele’s season since then, as well as the bump offenses tend to get for facing the same pitcher twice in relative proximity.
Today is the final game of April. Let’s hope it’s a good one. Finish the month on a positive note. Go Cubs.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (8-12) at Milwaukee Brewers (14-7) – Saturday, April 30 at 6:10 CT on Marquee, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Brewers: Eric Lauer (L)
versus
Cubs: Justin Steele (L)
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
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
Milwaukee Brewers:
1. Andrew McCutchen, DH
2. Willy Adames, SS
3. Christian Yelich, LF
4. Hunter Renfroe, RF
5. Keston Hiura, 2B
6. Lorenzo Cain, CF
7. Rowdy Tellez, 1B
8. Mike Brosseau, 3B
9. Alex Jackson, C