NEWSLETTER
CUBS LINEUP — Yet another rubber match is on tap for the Chicago Cubs this afternoon, with Javier Assad taking on Luis Castillo and the Seattle Mariners. Here’s a look at Craig Counsell’s lineup for the finale at T-Mobile Park.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ian Happ, LF
- Seiya Suzuki, DH
- Cody Bellinger, CF
- Christopher Morel, 3B
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Nico Hoerner, 2N
- Mike Tauchman, RF
- Yan Gomes, C
We said it yesterday, but it remains true today: Mike Tauchman is getting some additional run here lately in the Cubs lineup. And while that’s partly due to all the righties the Cubs have been facing, I also think Christopher Morel’s recent stretch defensively at third base has inspired some confidence NOT to stash him at DH everyday. That means fewer starts for Nick Madrigal, and more for Tauchman.
It also means more rest for the outfielders, who continue to get half-days off at DH, with Tauchman taking over any spot he’s needed. That’s the value of Morel playing better at third base – positive impact across the roster.
And, yes, I have absolutely jinxed Morel to have a horrible day defensively. Apologies.
Seattle Mariners Lineup:
- J.P. Crawford, SS
- Mitch Haniger, RF
- Jorge Polanco, 2B
- Ty France, 1B
- Dominic Canzone, LF
- Mitch Garver, DH
- Cal Raleigh, C
- Luke Raley, CF
- Josh Rojas, 3B
Pitching Matchup:
Chicago Cubs: Javier Assad, RHP
Javier Assad’s last start was an excellent one, with no damage coming until he was over 100 pitches and running on fumes (in service of protecting the bullpen). But that’s also the game where the bullpen completely let him down and turned in one of the worst Cubs loses in over two decades. But once again, Assad was good. Today will mark his third start of the season, and given the Mariners struggles against right-handed pitching (69 wRC+, 30th in MLB), I’d say he’s set up for some continued success.
Seattle Mariners: Luis Castillo, RHP
Luis Castillo has allowed four earned runs in each of his three starts so far this season, never completing the sixth inning in the process. But I wouldn’t be fooled. He’s also struck out 18 batters (4 walks) in 15.2 IP and the barrel rate, hard contact, and average exit velocity are all looking good. In other words, when a pitcher as good as Castillo has a 6.89 ERA but a 3.56 expected ERA (Statcast) and all the underlying metrics, you look at the expected. This won’t be an easy day for the Cubs lineup.
With that said, Counsell was wise to get an extra lefty in the Cubs lineup, beause historically, they’ve hit Castillo a lot better than righties (especially so far this season). Will that be enough? We’ll see. But the approach is correct.
Broadcast Info:
Chicago Cubs (8-6) vs Seattle Mariners (6-9) at 3:10 pm CT – Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
