The Chicago Cubs have arrived at the beginning of the end of their easy stretch, with the first of four straight games against the Reds in Cincinnati. After this four-game set, it’s an off-day on Friday and then the brutal 11-games in 9-days stretch against the Brewers, Cardinals, and White Sox.
In other words, gathering some momentum at a hitter friendly ballpark will be key.
But the offense is missing a ton of key contributors right now, so the pitching will have to be especially sharp. Speaking of which …
… Drew Smyly is on the mound for the Cubs tonight, when he’ll look to continue his unspectacular (but still passable) series of short, but effective outings (typically 4-5 IP, 2-4 runs). Smyly has generated a ton of contact on the ground this year, but has definitely not struck out enough batters to justify an 80.3% strand rate. Hopefully, that doesn’t come to a head tonight in Cincinnati.
For what it’s worth, the Reds (67 wRC+) have been by far the worst offense against left-handed pitching this season. So that should work in Smyly’s favor. GO CUBS.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (16-24) at Cincinnati Reds – Monday, May 23 at 5:40 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Reds: Vladimir Gutierrez (R)
versus
Cubs: Drew Smyly (L)
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
1. Rafael Ortega, CF
2. Jonathan Villar, 2B
3. Seiya Suzuki, RF
4. Ian Happ, LF
5. Yan Gomes, C
6. Frank Schwindel, DH
7. Alfonso Rivas, 1B
8. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
9. Christopher Morel, SS
Cincinnati Reds:
1. Nick Senzel, CF
2. Brandon Drury, 2B
3. Tommy Pham, DH
4. Joey Votto, 1B
5. Tyler Stephenson, C
6. Aristides Aquino, RF
7. Mike Moustakas, 3B
8. Albert Almora, LF
9. Matt Reynolds, SS