Keegan Thompson is on the mound for the Cubs tonight, which is swell, because he’s basically become appointment viewing for Cubs fans. No, not in the same way Jake Arrieta was circa 2015. But instead because he has been surprisingly effective and impressive lately, even when the box score doesn’t quite look as good on the surface (indeed, that’s why you have to watch!).
Still … His last four starts: 22.1 IP, 21H, 7ER, 6BB, 27Ks (2.82 ERA)
And at least 2-3 of those runs came when he should’ve already been out of the game!
The way he and Justin Steele have developed this season is just so very heartening.
Now, with all of that said, let’s maybe give him a break if the Dodgers monstrous lineup knock him around a bit, especially in Los Angeles. Just saying.
Tyler Anderson will stand against Thompson tonight, marking the first of three straight lefties the Cubs will face in Hollywood. Thompson does carry some traditional splits (meaning lefties struggle more than righties), but it’s not extreme. The Cubs have faced Thompson once already this season, back on May 7: 5.0 IP, 4H, 2ER, 1BB, 7Ks.
In that game, off Anderson, Nico Hoerner hit a double, Seiya Suzuki hit a triple, and Willson Contreras hit a triple and a homer.
Go Cubs.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (34-49) at Los Angeles Dodgers (53-29) – Friday, July 8 at 9:10 CT on MARQ, MLBN, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Dodgers: Tyler Anderson, LHP
Cubs: Keegan Thompson, RHP
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
- Christopher Morel, 2B
- Ian Happ, LF
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Yan Gomes, C
- P.J. Higgins, 1B
- Nelson Velázquez, CF
- David Bote, DH
Los Angeles Dodgers:
- Mookie Betts, RF
- Trea Turner, SS
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Will Smith, C
- Max Muncy, 2B
- Justin Turner, 3B
- Jake Lamb, DH
- Cody Bellinger, CF
- Gavin Lux, LF