NEWSLETTER
CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs are starting a new series tonight against the Red Sox, with Shota Imanaga going up against Boston’s righty Kutter Crawford. Here’s a look at the Cubs lineup for game one at Fenway.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Mike Tauchman, RF
- Ian Happ, LF
- Chris Morel, 3B
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Matt Mervis, DH
- Miguel Amaya, C
- Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
With his first hit and home run, it seems, Pete Crow-Armstrong earned another start for the Chicago Cubs tonight. Unfortunately, it’s against another tough pitcher in Kutter Crawford (more on his hot start below). And although Crawford’s a righty, he’s actually exactly split-neutral for his career. So no help there for the left-handed Crow-Armstrong.
But again, we already KNOW that PCA is not ready offensively. That’s not why he was promoted. He still has work to do on that front. And at his age, that’s okay. No, he’s in there because he needs to be with multiple injuries to the other Cubs starters, Seiya Suzuki and Cody Bellinger, in particular.
Speaking of which, with PCA in center, right field remains open for the SCORCHING hot Mike Tauchman, and I don’t say that in jest. Since April 17, Tauchman has four multi-hit games, has hit three doubles and two homers, and has walked (5) as many times as he’s struck out (5). It’s crazy. And although very likely unsustainable (at this level, at least), his approach has always been patient. If opposing pitchers start actually nibbling a bit, he might just continue walking and getting on base at a ridiculous pace.
Matt Mervis is back at designated hitter tonight, Christopher Morel is at third, and Miguel Amaya continues to draw more starts behind the plate. Depending on how you feel about Alexander Canario, this is probably the best Cubs lineup Craig Counsell can muster right now.
Boston Red Sox Lineup:
- Jarren Duran, CF
- Tyler O’Neill, RF
- Rob Refsnyder, LF
- Rafael Devers, DH
- Connor Wong, C
- Pablo Reyes, 3B
- Bobby Dalbec, 1B
- Enmanuel Valdez, 2B
- Ceddanne Rafaela, SS
Pitching Matchup:
Chicago Cubs: Shota Imanaga, LHP
Shota Imanaga’s last start was technically his worst of the season: 6.0 IP, 5H, 2ER, 0BB, 5Ks … LOL. If that’s his floor, I think the Cubs would be just thrilled. That said, Imanaga didn’t have his best location in that game, and the Marlins were a particularly weak team vs LHP (so a better opponent might’ve stung more). But there’s nothing but positives when you’re talking about Imanaga so far. It won’t last forever, but I hope it lasts longer.
Boston Red Sox: Kutter Crawford, RHP
Kutter Crawford has been really, really good this season, also allowing only two earned runs (like Imanaga), but doing it for an extra start and 6.0 more innings pitched. He’s been a little wild at times, but he’s going to be tough for this Cubs lineup.
Broadcast Info:
Chicago Cubs (16-9) at Boston Red Sox (14-12) at 6:10 pm CT – Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
