NEWSLETTER
*The Cubs lineup is listed below. But first … have you seen these awesome throwback “MLB JAM” Chicago Cubs t-shirts for sale with our partners at HOMAGE? I have a bunch of gear from Homage already, and it’s all incredibly soft, and the designs are extremely unique. I think you should buy one.
CUBS LINEUP — Well last night sucked, and we had to stay up late just to be hurt. Unfortunately, tonight’s game is EVEN LATER, with a 9:05pm CT start, which means it’s probably ending sometime close to midnight, if we’re lucky. In any case, Ben Brown is on the bump for the Cubs. Joe Musgrove is starting for the Padres, and here’s the Cubs lineup for Game 2 against the Padres at Petco Park.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ian Happ, LF
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Cody Bellinger, CF
- Chris Morel, 3B
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Garrett Cooper, DH
- Yan Gomes, C
With Patrick Wisdom nipping at his heels in Iowa (he doubled and homered tonight), Garrett Cooper is getting a rare start against a right-handed pitcher. Maybe the Cubs like something particular about the matchup in theory, because they only have two plate appearances of history against each other.
On the flip side, Bellinger has seen Cooper 19 times, logging two hits and two walks against four strikeouts. And Swanson has gone up against cooper 16 times, featuring four hits (2 doubles and 2 homers) and five walks. I know that’s a nothing sample, but that’s a whole lot of OPS against one guy. I wouldn’t be surprised if Swanson sees him particularly well or something.
Morel is back at third tonight (hopefully ready to make another nice defensive play) and everyone else is where you expect. Gomes behind the plate and the normal outfield and Cubs lineup/batting order.
San Diego Padres Lineup:
- Xander Bogaerts, 2B
- Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
- Jake Cronenworth, 1B
- Manny Machado, DH
- Jurickson Profar, LF
- Ha-Seong Kim, SS
- Luis Campusano, C
- Jackson Merrill, CF
- Tyler Wade, 3B
Pitching Matchup:
Chicago Cubs: Ben Brown, RHP
Although we’ve already seen Ben Brown twice this season, tonight will actually mark his first start as a big leaguer. And although he had success in a bulk role his last time out (4.0 IP, 3H, 1ER, 1BB, 5K), the Padres represent a much tougher challenge than the Rockies.
That said, there is one thing Ben Brown has been pretty good about through both of his appearances so far this year that would serve him well tonight: keeping the ball on the ground. His 55.6% groundball rate through 5.2 IP is a really nice mark and can certainly help fight the slug the Padres put on the Cubs bullpen yesterday. But the MOST important thing Brown could do for the team tonight is be efficient.
The bullpen is absolutely taxed right now, and the rotation is thin, as well. If he’s not able to last deep into this ballgame, the Cubs will be forced to make more roster moves just to have fresh arms, even if they’re less effective than the guys already up with the team. So … good luck!
San Diego Padres: Joe Musgrove, RHP
Through three starts so far this season, Joe Musgrove’s overall numbers are quite horrendous (6.28 ERA, 8.44 xERA, 4.14 FIP, 4.73 xFIP). He’s not striking anybody out (18.5%), and there’s been a ton of hard contact (90.9 MPH) and elevation (16 degree launch angle). But don’t forget, this is still a really good pitcher, who posted a 3.05 ERA over 78 starts from 2021-2023. And it certainly looks like he’s already righted the ship in his last outing against the Cardinals: 6.0 IP, 5H, 1ER, 1BB, 7K.
Now, so far, the Cardinals have been one of the worst offenses in baseball (79 wRC+), while the Cubs have been one of the best (117 wRC+). But if Musgrove is on, he can deal. The Cubs lineup has to bring their bats again, especially after falling silent late in the game yesterday.
Broadcast Info:
Chicago Cubs (6-4) vs San Diego Padres (6-7) at 9:05 pm CT – MARQ, 670 The Score
