NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Cubs have done some winning here lately, taking two of three from the Marlins, two of three from the Nationals, and two of three from the Reds since being swept by the cardinals in St. Louis. Today, they’ll start another three-game series against Washington, before making up a game against the Orioles on Thursday in Baltimore.
After that, they’ll play 11 straight games against the Brewers and Cardinals and three more against the Blue Jays before finally getting another scheduled day off on September 1.
We’re Going Streaking
The Chicago Cubs (47-66) have been doing a lot of winning lately, taking 13 of their last 21 games, while establishing a bit of a lead over the Reds and Pirates for third place in the NL Central. The Washington Nationals (38-78) have done the opposite, losing 8 of their last 10, further solidifying themselves as the worst team in MLB.
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch
Marcus Stroman had his first not great outing in a while his last time out, against these very Nationals (4 earned runs over 5.0 IP). But even accounting for that start, he’s got a 2.53 ERA since returning from the IL over a month ago and seems to finally be relatively locked in on the mound.
Drew Smyly has delivered back-to-back solid starts, with a combined 11.2 IP, 9H, 0ER, 3BB, and 13Ks against the Marlins and Reds. He’s been pretty darn good for the Cubs this season, all things considered.
Nico Hoerner is on one… again:
Overall, Hoerner is slashing .302/.348/.425 (114 wRC+) with 3.4 WAR (t-25th in MLB).
CJ Abrams – the top prospect acquired by the Nats in the deal for Juan Soto, is being promoted to MLB for this series against the Cubs.
Game Times and Broadcast Info
Pitching Probables
Game 1:Â Marcus Stroman (RHP) vs. Josiah Gray (RHP)
Game 2: Justin Steele (LHP) vs. Patrick Corbin (LHP)
Game 3: Drew Smyly (LHP) vs. Cory Abbott (RHP)
Chicago Cubs:
Injured/Unavailable: Steven Brault, Jason Heyward, Wade MIley, Alec Mills, Kyle Hendricks, Adbert Alzolay, Codi Heuer, Manuel Rodriguez, Michael Hermosillo, Ethan Roberts, Brad Wieck
Washington Nationals:
Injured/Unavailable: Erick Fedde, MacKenzie Gore, Seth Romero, Will Harris, Carter Kieboom, Stephen Strasburg, Joe Ross, Evan Lee, Sean Doolittle, Jackson Tetreault, Tanner Rainey
By the Numbers
Run Differential:
Cubs: -72
Nationals: -210
Runs Scored Per Game:
Cubs: 4.16
Nationals: 3.78
Runs Allowed Per Game:
Cubs: 4.80
Nationals: 5.59
