Cubs vs Cardinals: Pitching Probables, Injuries, Broadcast Info

May 8, 2023, by Michael Cerami Chicago Cubs

Cubs vs Cardinals — Well, well, well. Here we are. The first series against Willson Contreras (… that would be DESIGNATED HITTER Willson Contreras) and the St. Louis Cardinals. I’d feel a little bit better this morning if the Cubs were able to finish off the series sweep in extra innings yesterday afternoon, but it’s hard to be upset about a .500 start when the team otherwise looks pretty good.

Thanks to multiple blow out wins and way too many one-run losses, the Chicago #Cubs still have the 2nd best run differential in the NL, 4th in MLB (+46).

NL Central:

Pirates: +18
Brewers: +17
Cubs: +46
Reds: -36
Cardinals: -19

You're allowed to feel good about it.
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) May 8, 2023

Matt Mervis has finally arrived, and although he came up empty in a few big spots yesterday, has definitely made an impact. Plus, I’m pretty sure he faced more lefties and reverse-split righties this weekend than he will for the next two weeks. Or at least it feels that way.

You’ll be happy to see the Cubs have both Marcus Stroman (tonight) and Justin Steele (Wednesday) throwing in this series. And frankly, I have confidence in Jameson Taillon, too, who’ll be making his second start since returning from the IL with a groin injury. It was a short outing last week as he ramped up, but I thought he looked just fine.

The only bummer on the pitching side for the Cubs is Adbert Alzolay almost certainly won’t be available for Game 1 or 2, and maybe not even Game 3, after throwing 3.0 IP yesterday and closing out the game on Saturday. He’s been really great this year (2.41 ERA, 1.85 xERA over 18.2 IP so far this season).

As for the Cardinals, well, I think you know the story. They’ve gotten off to a horrible start (11-24) and they’re basically blaming Willson Contreras, no matter how many times they say it isn’t only his fault. Contreras has been removed from catching duties and will exclusively play out of the DH for the time being. That said, for however much that might be bad for the Cardinals long term, I think we all know he can still do damage in that role, especially in three warm games at Wrigley Field.

Of course, there’s probably going to be some other random dude that ticks us off all week, because that’s just what happens when the Cardinals play the Cubs.