NEWSLETTER
The Cubs won the opener against the Reds last night, and they have a juicy matchup against the struggling lefty Mike Minor tonight.
Minor has made just two quality starts all season, otherwise earning a 5.98 ERA with a total inability to strike batters out (17.4% for the year). He’s not allowing too much hard contact (though it isn’t a strength either), but the launch angle has just been enormous and so he’s given up 20 home runs in just 16 starts. And righties have hit him particularly well: .303/.381/.575 (.404 wOBA).
Meanwhile, Javier Assad is making his third start and fourth appearance of the season. He’s been effective so far, albeit in smaller doses (just 10.0 IP total). With Justin Steele and Keegan Thompson on the IL, there should be plenty of opportunities for Assad to continue showing what he’s got, but as of today, he looks more like a multi-inning reliever/swing-man than a true starting option for 2023.
A victory tonight would give the Cubs a series win over the Reds.
Game Info
Cincinnati Reds (53-80) at Chicago Cubs (57-78) – Wednesday, September 7 at 6:40 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Reds: Mike Minor, LHP
Cubs: Javier Assad, RHP
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
- Nick Madrigal, 2B
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Ian Happ, LF
- Franmil Reyes, DH
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Nelson Velázquez, CF
- Yan Gomes, C
- P.J. Higgins, 1B
- Chris Morel, 3B
Cincinnati Reds:
- TJ Friedl, CF
- Jonathan India, DH
- Kyle Farmer, 3B
- Jake Fraley, LF
- Spencer Steer, 2B
- Donovan Solano, 1B
- Aristed Aquino, RF
- Jose Barrero, SS
- Chuckie Robinson, C
