Cubs-Dodgers preview, injury updates, Hoerner's rare homer, and more |
Next Game: Today: 7:05 PM, Dodgers vs Cubs. RHP Kenta Maeda (3-1, 3.80 ERA) vs LHP Jose Quintana (2-1, 3.43 ERA).
Dodgers/Cubs Series Preview: Coming off a great walk-off win on Sunday, the Cubs rested up yesterday before getting ready to host the Dodgers for a three-game set, which starts tonight. The Cubs (10-10) Still find themselves trying to claw their way out of fourth place (2.0 games back in the NL Central, while the Dodgers (15-9) currently ruling the west, have a somewhat cushy, 2.5 game lead over the Diamondbacks (12-11) and Padres (12-11). For a more in-depth look at the series, check back this afternoon (before game-time) and I’ll have it all broken down for you. Dodgers/Cubs Probable Pitchers: Wednesday: RHP Walker Buehler (2-0, 5.40 ERA) vs LHP Cole Hamels (3-0, 2.77 ERA). Thursday: RHP Ross Stripling (1-1, 3.07 ERA) vs RHP Kyle Hendricks (1-3, 3.54 ERA) David Bote David Bote’s walk-off single on Sunday marked his fourth walk-off hit since last season, placing him in the elite company of Alex Bregman (4), Wilmer Flores (4) and Luke Maile (3). Jon Lester: After a three-inning sim game on Sunday, Lester was said to be doing well. While the Cubs have not announced what Big-Jon’s next step will be in the rehab process, but the Cubs have not officially announced Thursday’s starting pitcher against the Dodgers. (The list above is only the probable pitchers). If all goes well, Lester could feasibly make that start as his 10-day DL stint will be up. Other injury updates: LHP Xavier Cedeno (left wrist): Pitched 1/3 of an inning for the Double-A Smokies on Saturday, issuing a pair of walks while striking out one. Cedeno gave up no hits and allowed no runs. The next phase of his rehab has not been announced. RHP Tony Barnette (right shoulder): Barnette was scheduled to be a minor league rehab assignment with the Iowa Cubs this past Sunday. No word on how long he may be there. Mike Montgomery Monty pitched another rehab outing yesterday: 4.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3K, 1 HR (42 strikes, 25 balls). After his start was complete, Monty returned to the bullpen and kept throwing for a while. Power Rankings: The Cubs moved up three notches this week, going from #16 to #13 in Baseball-Reference’s Power Rankings. Nico Hoerner: The minor leagues aren’t my specialty, but I have been ranting and raving about shortstop prospect, Nico Hoerner, since the time the Cubs drafted him last year. Hoerner had an excellent spring training and will undoubtedly be fast-tracked to the majors. Last night Hoerner pulled off a rare sight- the inside the park home run. Cubs prospect Nico Hoerner pulled a pitch down the left-field line... and wound up with an inside-the-park homer. Watch: https://t.co/SospJVaFcR
Tommy La Stella: Old 3 AM was always god for one of two things as a Cub; punching singles past the infield or getting on base via a catcher’s interference. He was never much of a home run hitter, but he seems to have found his niche. Since being traded to the Angels, La Stella has hit six dingers already this season, which, if still a Cub, would have him tied for most homers with Javier Baez and Willson Contreras. Way to go, Tommy. "What's gotten into this guy!?"
This guy: I had to throw this in here. The next time you feel that things can hardly get worse… The baseball play equivalent of Monday mornings. pic.twitter.com/TxKdWZi3ym
Yesterday’s Cub Birthdays: Happy birthday to ex-Cubs Mickey Morandini (53), Terry Francona (60), and posthumously, Fabian Kowa?ik (111), Taylor Douthit (118), and Bob Smith (124). CUBS NEWS AND NOTES:
Tommy La Stella is now tied with Mike Trout for most home runs this season .....that's SIX ?? pic.twitter.com/skN2EHRuG4
NL CENTRAL SCHEDULE (April 21 – April 27, 2019)
YESTERDAY’S NL CENTRAL SCOREBOARD
