NEWSLETTER
The Cubs now lead the Marlins by just 1.5 games in the standings with 15 games on the schedule, which I bring to your attention for purposes of the impending draft lottery.
7th overall – Marlins (5.5% lottery odds) +1.5 games
8th overall – Cubs (3.9% lottery odds)
So, yeah … all that talk of demonstrating the ability to win in the second half goes out the window these next two nights. Actually, I’ll be even more frank: losing these next two games is better than winning these next two games. I don’t think it should be that controversial.
To that end, Pablo Lopez is starting for the Marlins tonight, coming off a solid 6.2 innings of two-run ball against a potent Phillies lineup. He was absolutely torched the start before that (8 earned runs in 3.2 IP against the Mets, but has generally been pretty good all season: 3.99 ERA with good K/BB numbers and pretty average contact management. Lopez has been particularly tough on righties for his career, but the Cubs were able to squeeze in a few extra lefties tonight:
This is the most lefties we’ve seen in the Cubs starting lineup all season, I think. Though, I’d prefer righties, if their names were Contreras, Hoerner, and Suzuki.
Adrian Sampson is starting opposite Lopez, coming off three straight excellent starts against the Cardinals, Reds, and Mets (combined): 17.0 IP, 11H, 3ER, 6BB, 8Ks. I will caution, however, that he’s gotten by largely on the strength of a way too low .208 BABIP (especially given the quality of contact) and a way too high 89.7% strand rate (especially given the lack of strikeouts). Regression could be coming.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (62-85) at Miami Marlins (61-87) – Tuesday, September 20 at 5:40 CT on Marquee, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Marlins: Pablo Lopez, RHP
Cubs: Adrian Sampson, RHP
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
- Zach McKinstry, SS
- Esteban Quiroz, 2B
- David Bote, 3B
- Ian Happ, LF
- Alfonso Rivas, 1B
- P.J. Higgins, C
- Jared Young, DH
- Nelson Velázquez, RF
- Michael Hermosillo, CF
Miami Marlins:
- Jon Berti, LF
- Miguel Rojas, SS
- Charles Leblanc, 2B
- Garrett Cooper, DH
- JJ Bleday, RF
- Bryan De La Cruz, CF
- Jacob Stallings, C
- Jordan Groshans, 3B
- Lewin Diaz, 1B
