UPDATE: This game is in a rain delay, but seeing as I am about a mile from the stadium and there have been tornado sirens blaring for almost 45 minutes straight, we might not get this one in. Just a guess.
UPDATE 2: Well, looks like we’re getting set for an 8:30 first pitch.
Yu Darvish is starting for the Padres tonight, in what will be his second start against the Cubs since the trade before the 2021 season … the first one went quite well for Darvish: 7.0 IP, 3H 2ER, 2BB, 8Ks. So let’s hope the Cubs come better prepared tonight.
One thing to note, despite some general success, Darvish has lost the art of the strikeout this season, going from a career 29-30 K% guy to just 20.1% this season. The walks are lower than ever too, though, and he’s been able to induce some weaker contact. Maybe he’s just evolving as he approaches 36 years old.
Standing opposite Darvish is left-handed Justin Steele.
Steele’s last start was a pretty darn good one against the Cardinals (who also happened to be the best lefty-hitting team in MLB): 7.0 IP, 7H, 1ER, 3BB, 1K.
Steele’s entire approach in that game was simply attacking hitters in the zone with his fastball and letting his defense do the rest. I’m guessing the Padres will be ready for such an attack this game, however, so hopefully Steele has some of his breaking stuff ready to go earlier on.
GO CUBS.
Game Info
San Diego Padres (37-24) at Chicago Cubs (23-36) – Monday, June 13 at 7:05 CT on MARQ, MLBN, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Padres: Yu Darvish, RHP
Cubs: Justin Steele, LHP
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
- Christopher Morel, CF
- Willson Contreras, DH
- Ian Happ, LF
- Frank Schwindel, 1B
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Yan Gomes, C
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Jonathan Villar, 2B
San Diego Padres:
- Jurickson Profar, LF
- Jake Cronenworth, 2B
- Manny Machado, 3B
- Luke Voit, DH
- Eric Hosmer, 1B
- Austin Nola, C
- Ha-Seong Kim, SS
- Trent Grisham, CF
- Jose Azocar, RF