NEWSLETTER
CUBS LINEUP — The Cubs have dropped each of the first two games in this series, failing to score a single run. Let’s see if the following Cubs lineup can have any more luck against Charlie Morton and the Braves at Truist Park.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Mike Tauchman, LF
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Cody Bellinger, DH
- Chris Morel, 3B
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Miles Mastrobuoni, SS
- Nick Madrigal, 2B
- Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
- Yan Gomes, C
Charlie Morton has fairly significant lefty/righty splits for his career, with lefties hitting him far better than righties. And the same is true this season. So I guess it’s not the worst possible day to have Miles Mastrobuoni in the Cubs lineup. No one will confuse him for Nico Hoerner or Dansby Swanson defensively, but he did look pretty solid at shortstop last night.
That said, I was hoping to see Nico Hoerner right back in there tonight, though that was clearly just wishful thinking. For now, let’s just hope he stays off the IL and can heel up soon.
Notably, Ian Happ is out of the lineup again tonight (he didn’t start yesterday either, but I thought that was because it was against a lefty), with Mike Tauchman taking his place in left and Pete Crow-Armstrong getting a start in center. Until Happ shows some consistency, I really don’t have a problem with PCA getting more opportunities at his expense. At least PCA can change the game with his glove and speed.
But I do wonder if Happ is dealing with something, himself, or if this is more of a light benching/mental break.
Atlanta Braves Lineup:
- Michael Harris II, CF
- Ozzie Albies, 2B
- Marcell Ozuna, DH
- Matt Olson, 1B
- Travis d’Arnaud, C
- Adam Duvall, RF
- Orlando Arcia, SS
- Jared Kelenic, LF
- Zack Short, 3B
Pitching Matchup:
Chicago Cubs: Javier Assad, RHP
Javier Assad’s last start was his shortest of the season (4.1 IP), but that was due in part because of a trio of errors behind him. That said, he didn’t have his best command again, and has now walked five batters in his last 10.1 IP. Even still, he has a 1.70 ERA over 42.1 IP this season. Hopefully, he can turn in more good work against a tough Braves lineup.
Atlanta Braves: Charlie Morton, RHP
Charlie Morton has pitched (at least) into the sixth inning in all seven of his starts this season, earning a 3.14 ERA. He’s not a big strikeout guy, but he doesn’t really walk anyone either and the contact has been well under control (87.6 EV, 7.2 barrel%, 33.3 hard%). So even though it’s been tough going of late, the Cubs lineup isn’t in for an easier one tonight.
Broadcast Info:
