Cubs vs Dodgers – Lineups, Pitching Matchups, How to Watch, Game Thread

April 16, 2023, by Michael Cerami Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs came within one out of winning their third consecutive series last night, but they came up just short. Now they have the tough task of facing a red-hot Julio Urías in his home ballpark. Here’s a look at the Cubs lineup David Ross has assembled to face the 26-year-old southpaw.

Chicago Cubs Lineup:

Nico Hoerner, 2B
Dansby Swanson, SS
Ian Happ, LF
Seiya Suzuki, RF
Trey Mancini, 1B
Patrick Wisdom, 3B
Cody Bellinger, CF
Yan Gomes, C
Luis Torrens, DH

With a lefty on the mound in L.A. tonight, the Cubs lineup looks a little different than usual. Patrick Wisdom moves up, Cody Bellinger moves down, Yan Gomes comes in for Tucker Barnhart, and Trey Mancini takes over first base for Eric Hosmer.

That leaves DH open, but instead of Nick Madrigal, it’s Luis Torrens getting the increasingly rare start/appearance.

And, now, you’ll have to forgive me for my brevity, because I’m writing this up in church during my wife’s cousin’s son’s baptism. Go Cubs!

Los Angeles Dodgers Lineup:

Mookie Betts, RF
Freddie Freeman, 1B
J.D. Martinez, DH
Max Muncy, 3B
Trayce Thompson, CF
James Outman, LF
Miguel Vargas, 2B
Chris Taylor, SS
Austin Barnes, C

Pitching Matchup:

Los Angeles Dodgers: Julio Urias, LHP

Julio Urias has gotten off to as good of a start as any pitcher in baseball. He’s gone three straight games of at least 6.0 innings pitched with just a TOTAL of 3 earned runs scattered throughout. He’s also struck out 20 while walking just 2 and keeping the ball on the ground at a solid rate (47.6%). The Cubs lineup will have their work cut out for them.

Notable Matchups: N/A

Chicago Cubs: Drew Smyly, LHP

Drew Smyly’s first start of the season was forgettable, but he bounced back really nicely against the Mariners in start number two: 5.0 IP, 2H, 1ER, 1BB, 7Ks. He’s been allowing too many fly balls this season, but the quality of the contact has been crap (in a good way for the Cubs): 20.7 hard%, 84.4 average EV, 1 barrel.

The Dodgers have had success against left-handed pitchers this season, but Justin Steele handled them just fine on Friday. Maybe Drew Smyly can do the same.

Notable Matchups: