NEWSLETTER
CUBS LINEUP — The Cubs were able to eke out two improbable wins over the first three games of this series, which means they have a chance for the series win today. Ben Brown will be on the mound for Chicago, and Adrian Houser is going for the Mets.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Mike Tauchman, RF
- Ian Happ, LF
- Chris Morel, 3B
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Patrick Wisdom, DH
- Nick Madrigal, 2B
- Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
- Yan Gomes, C
It’s a different looking Cubs lineup today, with two notable absences.
First, Dansby Swanson is getting a much-needed day off. As we discussed this morning, he’s been striking out like crazy lately, while looking entirely uncomfortable at the plate, and has even made more mistakes in the field than usual. With a big series (well, big for early May) against the Brewers starting tomorrow, today was the right day for a rest. With Swanson out, Nico Hoerner is moving over to shortstop, while Nick Madrigal covers second base.
Second, Matt Mervis is also out, even though there’s a righty on the mound … a righty with these career splits:
vLHH: .285/.371/.454 (.357 wOBA)
vRHH: .231/.298/.336 (.280 wOBA)
Instead, the right-handed Patrick Wisdom is the DH. But, hey, Pete Crow-Armstrong moved up a rung on the ladder. That’s fun.
Let’s see if the Cubs can pull another rabbit out of their hat today. Or better yet, just score a dozen runs, please.
New York Mets Lineup:
- Brandon Nimmo, LF
- Starling Marte, RF
- DJ Stewart, DH
- Pete Alonso, 1B
- Jeff McNeil, 2B
- Brett Baty, 3B
- Harrison Bader, CF
- Joey Wendle, SS
- Omar Narváez, C
Pitching Matchup:
Chicago Cubs: Ben Brown, RHP
With Justin Steele eyeing a return for his next start – and Hayden Wesneski also pitching well – I don’t know how many more starts Brown has in him after today (in the near term, that is). I’m guessing the Cubs are just going to play that one by ear. In an ideal world, I think Brown makes more sense in the bullpen given the Cubs particular need there, as well as his pitch-mix and inning limit, but if he goes out and shoves today, it’ll probably be a conversation. Brown’s last start against the Red Sox wasn’t his sharpest, but I don’t need to tell you the arm talent is there.
New York Mets: Adrian Houser, RHP
Adrian Houser has had a rough go of it this season, with an 8.37 ERA over his first five starts. He also has more walks (16) than strikeouts (14) and a 92.9 MPH average exit velocity allowed. If ever there was a day for the Cubs lineup to show up, this is it.
Broadcast Info:
Chicago Cubs (19-12) at New York Mets (15-15) at 12:10 pm CT – Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
