The Chicago Cubs haven’t won a series since the opening set against Milwaukee (and even that comes with an asterisk because of the postponement). But if they win tonight, they can claim a mildly impressive series win against a good Padres team in their own house. I don’t know if I’m still drunk on Kyle Hendricks’ heroics from yesterday, but that sounds pretty good to me.
Speaking of which, Hendricks’ efforts last night helped preserve the bullpen for tonight’s game, when Wade Miley will make his Cubs debut. In case you forgot, the Cubs grabbed Miley from the Reds way back in October, but he’s been ramping back up from elbow inflammation. So any extra relief help on deck is going to be useful (especially if we’re rolling with a bullpen game tomorrow, as well). In case you missed it, the Cubs sent Michael Hermosillo to the IL to make room for Miley.
Righty Mike Clevinger is standing opposite Miley tonight, in what will be just his FIFTH start for the Padres since they acquired him back at the Trade Deadline in 2020 (he’s been rehabbing from Tommy John surgery).
In his first start back this season (against the Guardians), Clevinger went 4.2 innings with 3 earned runs on four hits and three walks against just four strikeouts. His fastball was down about a full click from where it was before surgery, though that’s to be expected (both because of the injury itself and the general ramp up period for most pitchers). Clevinger has been a very good starter in the past and it’s only a matter of time before he rediscovers that form. Hopefully, that time comes after tonight.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (10-18) at San Diego Padres (19-11) – Tuesday, May 10 at 8:40 CT on MARQ, MLBN, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Padres: Mike Clevinger (R)
versus
Cubs: Wade Miley (L)
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
1. Rafael Ortega, RF
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
5. Alfonso Rivas, 1B
6. Nico Hoerner, SS
7. Jason Heyward, CF
8. Yan Gomes, DH
9. Jonathan Villar, 2B
San Diego Padres:
1. Jake Cronenworth, 2B
2. Jurickson Profar, LF
3. Manny Machado, 3B
4. Eric Hosmer, 1B
5. Wil Myers, RF
6. Luke Voit, DH
7. Ha-Seong Kim, SS
8. Austin Nola, C
9. José Azocar, CF