The Cubs are looking to secure a four-game series win tonight at Great American Ballpark, while also looking to tie their longest winning streak of the year. As I’ve said a dozen times already, now would be a VERY good time to get hot, with an off-day on Friday followed by 11 games in 9 days against the Brewers, Cardinals, and White Sox.
Kyle Hendricks is on the mound tonight coming off a not-so-good start against the Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field: 5.0 IP, 8H, 7ER, 2BB, 3Ks … FOUR home runs allowed. He had strung together two really nice starts just before that against the Padres and Diamondbacks (the first time), but that’s been the story of his season so far. Hopefully, he can locate his fastball down tonight and deliver another one of the good outings. That may just be who he is now, sadly.
Meanwhile, Luis Castillo is coming off two good-ish starts against the Pirates and Blue Jays (combined): 11.0 IP, 11H, 5ER 1BB, 7Ks. And has appeared in only three games this year, as he was slowed by a shoulder issue. He has been fully stretched out, however, so the Cubs will have to knock him out with their bats if they’re hoping to get into the Reds NL-Worst bullpen (4.82 ERA, 29th in MLB).
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (18-24) at Cincinnati Reds (12-30) – Wednesday, May 25 at 5:40 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Reds: Luis Castillo (R)
versus
Cubs: Kyle Hendricks (R)
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
1. Christopher Morel, 2B
2. Rafael Ortega, CF
3. Seiya Suzuki, RF
4. Ian Happ, LF
5. Frank Schwindel, DH
6. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
7. Alfonso Rivas, 1B
8. P.J. Higgins, C
9. Andrelton Simmons, SS
Cincinnati Reds:
1. Tyler Naquin, RF
2. Brandon Drury, 2B
3. Tommy Pham, LF
4. Joey Votto, 1B
5. Mike Moustakas, DH
6. Nick Senzel, CF
7. Aristides Aquino, RF
8. Aramis Garcia, C
9. Matt Reynolds, SS