NEWSLETTER
Cubs vs Mets — Here’s a theory. The Cubs won zero games against the Astros and then one game against the Phillies. By my math, that means they’ll win two games against the Mets this week before sweeping the Reds in three straight over the weekend! Sound like a plan to you?
The Cubs have two of their best starting pitchers, Drew Smyly and Marcus Stroman, going in the first two games this week. But the Mets, who got off to a slow start, have been turning it around lately (that seems to be the theme of the Cubs season, though at least this turnaround started BEFORE playing the Cubs).
Still, Stroman has put yet another quality start between him and his blowup against the Twins (2.2 IP, 6ER). And Smyly has done it twice since his short outing against the Marlins. Together, those two have made 18 starts, spanning 106.1 IP, with just a total of 35 earned runs, which is good for a 2.30 ERA. That’s very, very good.
Unfortunately, the starting rotation hasn’t really been the problem. The two biggest problem(s), as Brett dug into yesterday, is the (1) the bullpen and (2) the lack of situational hitting. Nico Hoerner’s return — and Matt Mervis’ early signs of life — might help with the latter, but I’m not sure how exactly the bullpen will turn things around absent a big shakeup. Demoting Keegan Thompson, alone, probably doesn’t fix things.
To make matters worse, Kodai Senga is pitching tonight, coming off the best start of his big league career, featuring 12 strikeouts over six one-run innings against the Rays. Hopefully Jameson Taillon, the guy the Cubs prioritized over Senga this winter, can get right in his outing on Thursday. Because he’s been absolutely lit up lately, well beyond the bounds of the bad luck that was affecting him a couple weeks ago.
It’s a tough time to be a Cubs fan. But the season isn’t over yet.
Mostly because the NL Central stinks. But you’ll take what you can get.
Cubs vs Mets – Pitching Probables:
Game 1: Tuesday, May 23 at 6:40 CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
Game 2: Wednesday, May 24 at 6:40 CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, MLBN, 670 The Score
Game 3: Thursday, May 25 at 6:40 CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
