CUBS LINEUP — Well, the Cubs pulled one out of their hat to take the opener against the White Sox last night. Now it’s time to finish the job/sweep. Here’s a look at the Cubs lineup for the short-series finale at Wrigley Field. Jameson Taillon vs Erick Fedde. Let’s do it.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Mike Tauchman, DH
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Cody Bellinger, CF
- Chris Morel, 3B
- Ian Happ, LF
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Yan Gomes, C
Well, so much for new-leadoff-hitter Nico Hoerner. Perhaps that was just a one-day thing, while Mike Tauchman got the day off. Or perhaps it’s really just a permanent-rotation between Happ, Tauchman, Bellinger, Suzuki, PCA, and Busch – six players for five spots (LF, CF, RF, DH, 1B).
Makes sense, I guess! Keep players fresh, play the matchups, etc. The only tough part is that this particular group of six players features just ONE true righty bat (Suzuki). Everyone else is a lefty or a switch-hitter that prefers the left side.
I suppose it all matters precious little tonight, as Erick Fedde has been close to split neutral for his entire career. But he has been good (more on that below). So be warned.
Chicago White Sox Lineup:
- Corey Julks, LF
- Nicky Lopez, 2B
- Luis Robert Jr., CF
- Gavin Sheets, 1B
- Andrew Vaughn, DH
- Oscar Colas, RF
- Paul Dejong, SS
- Korey Lee, C
- Lenyn Sosa, 3B
Pitching Matchup:
Chicago Cubs: Jameson Taillon, RHP
Jameson Taillon is now eight starts into his 2024 season, and still rocking a sub-3.00 ERA. Though the results have started to balance out lately. He began the season on a heater, with just three earned runs over his first four starts, but he’s allowed 11 earned runs over his last five outings, two of which were not five complete innings. That said, the White Sox are a considerably weaker offense than the other teams he’s faced, so maybe he can turn in another 6.0-ish innings with three or fewer earned runs. I’d take it.
One thing to keep an eye on in particular … where are the strikeouts and are they coming? Taillon has never been a huge-strikeout guy, but he’s also never been close to his current mark (15.4%). The walks remain under control and the batted ball data is fine (league average-ish stuff). But I’d definitely like to see some Ks.
Chicago White Sox: Erick Fedde, RHP
Although Erick Fedde has had some bad games so far this season ..
vsCLE: 5.0 IP, 4H, 4ER, 3BB, 3K
vsMIL: 5.0 IP, 9H, 4ER, 4BB, 8K
vsSTL: 4.1 IP, 4H, 5ER, 5BB, 2K
vsTOR: 6.0 IP, 7H, 5ER, 1BB, 2K
The other eight starts have been really quite good. So good in fact, that despite an 8.05 ERA in those four games, he’s actually got a 3.12 ERA over all 12 of his outings. His standout performances include 7.0 scoreless against the Nationals, 11Ks and no walks over 6.0 innings against the Twins, 9Ks and no walks over 8.1 IP against the Rays, 6.1 scoreless innings against the Orioles, 6.0 scoreless innings against the Guardians, and 5.2 scoreless innings against the Royals.
For the most part, he’s locked in, and it wouldn’t be crazy if he was really good against the Cubs lineup tonight.
Broadcast Info:
Chicago Cubs (30-31) vs Chicago White Sox (15-46) at 7:05 pm CT – Marquee Sports Network, NBCSCH, 670 The Score
Chicago Cubs:
- Jordan Wicks, SP
- Yency Almonte, RP
- Colten Brewer, RP
- Adbert Alzolay, RP
- Julian Merryweather, RP
- Caleb Kilian, SP
- Daniel Palencia, RP (Rehab Assignment)
- Keegan Thompson, RP (Rehab Assignment)
Chicago White Sox:
- Eloy Jimenez, OF
- Andrew Benintendi, OF
- Steven Wilson, RP
- Dominic Leone, RP
- Mike Clevinger, SP
- Matt Foster, RP
- Shane Drohan, SP
- Jimmy Lambert, RP
- Jesse Scholtens, SP
- Max Stassi, C
- Yoan Moncada, 3B