Codi Heuer might be fine, he might just be making adjustments right now, he did not receive the help you would hope he’d receive. Frank Schwindel might be good, we also might just not know what a good baseball player looks like anymore. Sergio Alcántara, for those wondering, has a 68 wRC+ and his xwOBA’s not much better than his wOBA.
The comeback-turned-collapse dropped the Cubs past the Rockies by a game and the Twins by percentage points, so they’re now in the 8th slot in the draft order, though just one game away from 5th, where the Marlins are tied with the Royals and the Nationals. What a crew.
***
The Diaspora:
It sounds like Anthony Rizzo’s doing ok and will do some cardio work on Monday as he tries to return from a bout with the coronavirus. Kyle Schwarber didn’t play yesterday but is back in the Boston lineup as the DH today as they try to sweep the Orioles. Jon Lester worked nearly six innings, allowing just one run while scattering seven hits and two walks and striking out a pair. Craig Kimbrel allowed a game-tying home run to Aaron Judge in a game the White Sox went on to lose in extras. Andrew Chafin got a blown save and a win but didn’t allow any runs of his own as the A’s pulled away from the Rangers late. Colin Rea—remember that guy?—has been picked up by the Brewers. He’s in Nashville. Yes, it’s ominous.
Around the Division:
With the Padres losing, the Cardinals moved to four and a half back in the wild card race, and they’re now a game ahead of the Mets for status as the third team out. The Reds are still the first team out, two and a half back.
The Reds DFA’s Mike Freeman as Nick Senzel returns from the 60-day IL. The Brewers released Travis Shaw. Kwang Hyun Kim and Wade LeBlanc are supposed to come off the IL rather quickly as the Cards continue to rebuild their rotation. The Pirates still reportedly exist.
Up Next:
A sweep?
***
Whom:
Cubs vs. Miami
When:
Right now (12:10 PM Chicago Time; we’re a bit late today)
Where:
So Marlins Park changed its name, eh?
Weather:
The roof is closed.
Starting Pitchers:
Alec Mills vs. Elieser Hernandez
The Opponent:
Hernandez is returning after months away with a quadriceps injury. He’s only made two starts on the year. He has a 5.18 career FIP over 181 innings and parts of four seasons, but his career xERA is much lower.
The Numbers:
Cubs are +133 underdogs, Marlins are at -143, so about a 41% chance of a win. Over/under’s at seven and favors the over.
Cubs News:
Adbert Alzolay has indeed gone on the IL. Trevor Megill took his place on the active roster yesterday. Jason Heyward is returning from the IL, and Greg Deichmann is going back to AAA in the corresponding move.
Cubs Thoughts:
I’m high on Alec Mills’s future prospects but the Cubs rotation is a mess so I’m mostly just praying for his safety today.
