1. The consistency of the script was at least funny.
The same thing. Three days in a row. Incredible.
***
Around the Division:
The Brewers finally lost, dropping one to the Pirates like a bunch of LOSERS. The Cardinals lost again to the Rockies, but I don’t think we get to commiserate.
Standings, FanGraphs division championship probabilities:
1. Milwaukee: 51-34, 86.0%
2. Cincinnati: 43-40, 8.9%
3. Cubs: 42-42, 4.1%
4. St. Louis: 41-44, 1.0%
5. Pittsburgh: 30-53, 0.0%
The Brewers go to Queens, the Reds go to Kansas City, and the Cardinals start a series in San Francisco today. Brandon Woodruff vs. Tylor Megill (yes, that’s Trevor Megill’s brother). Vladimir Gutierrez vs. Mike Minor. Kwang Hyun Kim vs. Kevin Gausman.
Up Next:
Four games with the Phillies at Wrigley, beginning tonight.
***
Whom:
Cubs vs. Philadelphia
When:
7:05 PM Chicago Time
Where:
Wrigley Field
Weather:
Temperatures in the 80’s, winds blowing out at about ten or fifteen miles per hour.
Starting Pitchers:
Zach Davies vs. Matt Moore
The Opponent:
The Phillies are closer to their division leader than the Cubs are, but they’re in a similar spot in terms of playoff probability, which is to say that things are grim. I don’t know where they’re at in the buying/selling rumors, but they’ve got time, and it would seem they’ll probably end up sellers.
Moore is most memorable from his time with the Rays earlier in his career. He’s bounced around recently, and things aren’t going well for the lefty this year. Only 23 innings, but his ERA’s 5.79 and his FIP and xERA aren’t dissimilar from that. He recently returned from an injury and he’s stretched out enough to work five or six innings. Favorable draw for the Cubs, especially with the weather.
The Numbers:
The Cubs are -140 favorites with their guests at +130, so about a 56% chance of a win. Over/under’s at eleven and favors the over.
Cubs News:
Nico Hoerner returned yesterday, with Sergio Alcántara optioned to AAA to make room. Alcántara did have that extra option there was speculation about, so he can stay in the organization and doesn’t have to clear waivers.
In other news, Jake Arrieta will make at least one more start, and Sahadev Sharma reported that Justin Steele’s intended to be stretched out to try out as a starter down the stretch.
Cubs Thoughts:
I mean, the Brewers do have a tough slate here before the break, playing the Mets and the Reds, but the Cubs really aren’t in a position where they care too much about anyone else, and the Reds are now a concern themselves. Try to win the series, I guess, and just hope winning series is enough to be back around the picture late in the month. Realistically, it won’t be, and they’re headed towards selling, but it doesn’t sound like that’s coming too soon, so play ball while there’s ball to be played.
