Ian Happ now has a 103 wRC+. Willson Contreras’s is at 104. Neither is what you want out of them, but we’re at least into just standard down-year territory, with the (lack of a) reaction to Contreras’s struggles a helpful reminder that Happ’s aren’t that bad. Though, to be fair, outfielders should be better hitters than catchers. More people can play outfield than can catch. You don’t have to settle as much.
Anyway, both homered last night, and those were the bright spots as the pitching staff struggled. Too many walks by Justin Steele. The home run off of Adbert Alzolay hurt.
***
The Diaspora:
Craig Kimbrel had a good outing for the White Sox. Tommy La Stella doubled for the Giants.
Around the Division:
The Cardinals beat the Padres again, and with the Reds losing to the Dodgers the NL Wild Card race looks like this:
St. Louis: 0.0 GB
Atlanta: 1.5 GB; leading division so not currently Wild Card option
Cincinnati: 2.0 GB
Philadelphia: 2.5 GB
San Diego: 2.5 GB
Meanwhile, this isn’t in the division but I have to mention it: The Rockies are only a game and a half back of the Mets, with each on a five-game streak of some sort.
Jesse Winker is going back to the IL for Cincinnati in a brutal setback for them. Shogo Akiyama is also going to be out for a bit.
Up Next:
The final game against the Brewers in 2021. At long last.
***
Whom:
Cubs vs. Milwaukee
When:
1:10 PM Chicago Time
Where:
Milwaukee
Weather:
Looks like the roof will be open, with temperatures in the 70’s and wind blowing in at ten to fifteen miles per hour.
Starting Pitchers:
Adrian Sampson vs. Eric Lauer
The Opponent:
Lauer’s been impressive this year, entering the rotation as a swingman and managing a 1.5-fWAR season so far. He’s thrown 101.2 innings and is at a 3.94 FIP with a 4.06 xERA and an even better 3.10 ERA. Good for you, Eric Lauer.
The Numbers:
The Cubs are +190 underdogs, with the Brewers at -210 for an implied Cubs win probability right around 33%. The over/under’s at nine and favors the under.
Cubs News:
Nico Hoerner is reportedly coming back today, with Keegan Thompson reportedly coming back soon.
Cubs Thoughts:
I mean, it would be nice to end the season series by beating the Brewers. Just to know it’s possible.
