Cubs vs Twins โ This season has been far from perfect for the Chicago Cubs (18-19), who are still a game below .500 after a brutal couple of weeks. But they finally got a much-needed off-day yesterday and are coming off a win. And, hey, as of today, they (1) have a 1 in 4 chance of making the playoffs, (2) are tied for the fourth best run differential in MLB, (3) own the fourth best starting pitching ERA, and still have a top-five offense by wRC+. It could be worse!
I don’t know if I’m feeling good because it’s a Friday or because the Cubs won the last game against the Cardinals (and technically did out score them in the series, not that it helps). But I do. I think Seiya Suzuki is on the brink of turning on. I think Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Dansby Swanson are studs. I think Cody Bellinger and Trey Mancinin look about as good as you could’ve reasonably hoped. And I’m happy that Chris Morel and Matt Mervis are on the team.
With that said, the Cubs are about to run into some pitching. Sonny Gray (tonight) and Joe Ryan (tomorrow) have been really freakin’ good this season. Both Gray *and* Ryan have already struck out 47(!) batters this season and they’ve each gone at least 5.0 IP in all of their starts with pristine full-season ERAs.
Then again, Drew Smyly and Marcus Stroman are both starting this series, and they’ve been pretty dang good, themselves. Even Hayden Wesneski has started to turn things around lately. You’d love to see him continue that growth against a Twins team that has been slightly worse than average against right-handed pitching this season. (And, indeed, you hope Smyly dominates, because the Twins have been AWFUL against lefties this year).
Looking ahead, the Cubs are headed out on the road for these three games against the Twins followed by three against the Astros. They have another off day on Thursday before continuing their road trip with three against the Phillies out east. After that, they come home for nine-game homestand against the Mets, Reds, and league-leading Rays. And that gets us to JUNE. Stay competitive, Cubs. I want to add at the deadline.
Cubs vs Twins – Pitching Probables:
Game 1: Friday, May 12 at 7:10 CT at Target Field
Broadcast Info: AppleTV+, 670 The Score
- Cubs: Drew Smyly, LHP
- Twins: Sonny Gray, RHP
Game 2: Saturday, May 13 at 1:10 CT at Target Field
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
- Cubs: Hayden Wesneski, RHP
- Twins: Joe Ryan, RHP
Game 3: Sunday, May 14 at 1:10 CT at Target Field
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
- Cubs: Marcus Stroman, RHP
- Twins: Louie Varland, RHP
Key Injuries:
- Brandon Hughes, LHRP
- Kyle Hendricks, SP
- Codi Heuer, RP (TJS)
- Ethan Roberts, RP (TJS)
- Ronny Henriquez, SP
- Kenta Maeda, SP
- Caleb Thielbarm RP
- Chris Paddack, SP
- Royce Lewis, INF/OF
- Gilberto Celestino, OF
- Tyler Mahle, SP