Javier Assad is starting for the Cubs this afternoon, and he’s built up so momentum, coming off two solid starts against the Reds and (especially) the Mets:
vsCIN: 5.1 IP, 5H, 4ER, 1BB, 6Ks
@NYM: 6.0 IP, 5H, 1ER, 3BB, 6Ks
For the season, Assad has a 2.53 ERA over four starts and 1 relief appearance, with a 3.90 xERA. The command has been spotty and the strikeouts haven’t been plentiful enough, but four of his 10 walks allowed came in his first big league appearance (understandable) and 12 of his 18 strikeouts came in his last 11.0 IP. So I think it at least looks like he’s settling in. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
Ryan Feltner is standing opposite Assad this afternoon, and let me just tell you, it hasn’t been great for him lately: 6.63 ERA over his last 8 starts. His last start was particularly short (2.2 IP) and ineffective (4ER) with more walks than strikeouts. And he’s had just one quality start since mid-June.
My guess? We’ll have high-scoring game on our hands.
Game Info
Colorado Rockies (62-83) at Chicago Cubs (63-82) – Sunday, September 18 at 1:20 CT on Marquee, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Rockies: Ryan Feltner, RHP
Cubs: Javier Assad, RHP
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
- Zach McKinstry, 2B
- Ian Happ, LF
- Yan Gomes, C
- Franmil Reyes, DH
- David Bote, 3B
- Alfonso Rivas, 1B
- Nelson Velázquez, RF
- Michael Hermosillo, CF
- Chris Morel, SS
Colorado Rockies:
- Ryan McMahon, 3B
- Yonathan Daza, CF
- C.J. Cron, 1B
- Charlie Blackmon, DH
- Brendan Rodgers, 2B
- Randal Grichuk, RF
- Elias Diaz, C
- Connor Joe, LF
- Garrett Hampson, SS