Cubs vs Rays: Pitching Matchup, Broadcast Info
The Cubs were able to rattle off a one-run win against the Rays on Memorial Day, but almost entirely on the strength of one of the best Cubs starting pitcher performances in decades. And that performances was truly necessary, because the Cubs lineup managed just one run on three hits and two walks. They also struck out eleven times, and things aren’t getting any easier with Shane McClanahan on the mound tonight.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
Nico Hoerner, 2B Dansby Swanson, SS Ian Happ, LF Seiya Suzuki, RF Trey Mancini, 1B Mike Tauchman, CF Patrick Wisdom, 3B Yan Gomes, C Chris Morel, DH
Well, David Ross pretty quickly abandoned the shake-it-up decisions from yesterday’s Cubs lineup (he must’ve missed my article). But that’s okay. This is a good group. And even though the lefty Shane McClanahan has reverse splits (meaning lefties have hit him better than righties), I support a day off for Matt Mervis, in particular.
Not only has the Cubs first base prospect continued to struggle, but McClanhan is a tough freakin’ pitcher, against lefties AND righties. Just because he’s slightly tougher on righties doesn’t mean he’s not hard on everyone. Plus, both Mervis and Mancini have splits of their own that count, too. That’s just the right call. Frankly, I feel the same way about not starting Tucker Barnhart, Edwin Rios, and Miles Mastrobuoni too. Against a pitcher like McClanahan, just give me the best players. And with the one Mervis exception, this is it.
Tampa Bay Rays Lineup:
Josh Lowe, RF Wander Franco, SS Randy Arozarena, LF Brandon Lowe, 2B Harold Ramirez, DH Isaac Paredes, 3B Luke Raley, 1B Manuel Margot, CF Francisco Mejia, C
Pitching Matchup:
Chicago Cubs: Kyle Hendricks, RHP
Kyle Hendricks first start off the injured list certainly didn’t have the storybook ending we were all hoping to see, but I actually thought he looked pretty good. The velocity was there, the command was all right, he had a few good stretches. I don’t know. I’m optimistic. Or, at least, I would be if he didn’t have to face the best offense in baseball. Marcus Stroman may have shut down the Rays yesterday, but that has not happened often this year. So I won’t judge Hendricks too badly if things don’t go his way this evening. Plus, the bullpen should be very well rested and ready to take over. Don’t be surprised if Ross goes to the pen quickly, especially with Justin Steele starting tomorrow.
Tampa Bay Rays: Shane McClanahan, LHP
Although the Cubs lineup has been pretty great against left-handed pitching this season (thanks, Patrick Wisdom!), they certainly have their work cut out for them tonight. Not only is Shane McClanahan just … an excellent starter coming off back-to-back brilliant outings (14.0 IP, 10H, 1BB, 1ER, 7K), he’s also got reverse splits for his career/this season. That complicates things a bit for the Cubs, who’ve done most of their damage against traditional split lefties. Also, no one in the Cubs lineup has particularly useful history vs McClanahan. I don’t like it.
Broadcast Info:
Chicago Cubs (23-30) vs Tampa Bay rays (39-17) at 7:05 pm CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
Source: bleachernation.com
