In theory, I should feel good about a pitcher as locked-in as Drew Smyly starting against an offense as stinky as the Reds (90 wRC+, 23rd in MLB). But, well … lol. This really hasn’t been our year. Plus, the Reds are better against left-handed pitching, and the Cubs lineup has just not come through consistently in a long time.
But the season marches on. Here’s today’s group.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Ian Happ, LF
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Chris Morel, DH
- Trey Mancini, 1B
- Mike Tauchman, CF
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Yan Gomes, C
Nothing special in today’s Cubs lineup, with the exception of Matt Mervis getting rest in favor of Trey Mancini, even with a righty on the mound. Why? Well, because Graham Ashcraft has extreme reverse splits. I’m guessing Mervis will probably sit on Tuesday, as well, with a very tough lefty on the mound for the Rays (Shane McClanahan).
Mike Tauchman is still covering center field, Wisdom is at third and Gomes is behind the plate. Morel is the DH, batting fifth.
Cincinnati Reds Lineup:
- Jonathan India, DH
- Matt McLain, SS
- Spencer Steer, 1B
- Tyler Stephenson, C
- Stuart Fairchild, LF
- Nick Senzel, 3B
- Kevin Newman, 2B
- Jake Fraley, RF
- Jose Barrero, CF
Pitching Matchup:
Chicago Cubs: Drew Smyly, LHP
Drew Smyly had another good outing on Tuesday, marking his NINTH start of 2 earned runs or fewer in ten tries. Literally, the only truly “bad” start of the season was his first of the year. He did have a shorter game against the Marlins, but still only two earned runs and the Cubs won that game. Cut out his first start of the year, and Smyly has a 2.13 ERA since APRIL 4, which is seventh lowest in MLB during that stretch. But like I said, the Reds are better against lefties than they are against righties and just lit up Justin Steele. So…maybe the Cubs lineup could try that scoring thing again. That’d be cool.
Cincinnati Reds: Graham Ashcraft, RHP
Graham Ashcraft has given up *at least* seven earned runs in three of his last four starts. That is a 12.98 ERA over his last FOUR OUTINGS. Once again, that should make me feel great. But the Cubs have made it their M.O. to kick start seasons for anyone or any team that finds itself down in the dumps. I just have a hard time finding the faith, even though my brain knows this matchup favors Chicago/the Cubs lineup.
Broadcast Info:
Chicago Cubs (22-29) vs Cincinnati Reds (23-29) at 1:20 pm CT on MARQ, 670 The Score