Cubs vs Pirates — How many times can one team face Paul Skenes? I mean, my goodness. Skenes has made just 53 starts total in his career. And after tomorrow, seven of those starts will have come against the Cubs (most of any team in MLB).
That said, the Cubs have done okay against Skenes so far this season, scoring three runs on five hits and four walks in early May and then … chasing him after 5 scoreless innings in mid-June. That’s about as much as you can hope to do against him. I’m just so sick of catching him in almost every single Pirates series.
It will be fun to see Cade Horton go up against him, but Horton will likely remain on a pretty strict innings/pitch count. So it probably won’t be the sort of deep-game, pitcher’s duel you’d otherwise be excited about. Maybe next season.
Before that game, the Cubs are sending Jameson Taillon to the mound for his second start since coming off the IL a second time. The last one, against the Braves, was modestly effective, but short (4.1 IP, 2ER). Like all these Cubs arms, the only hope is to get them in a good place before the postseason begins. Taillon may not currently be penciled in for one of the three Wild Card game starts, but if the Cubs do advance, he’ll be featured heavily in any series thereafter.
Speaking of which, I am desperate for a complete outing from Matthew Boyd (if not long, then at least effective). Aside from an occasional quality start, he has not been himself for well over a month, and it’s becoming an issue as the postseason approaches.
Offensively, let’s hit some positive bullet points first:
Nico Hoerner is scorching hot. And he even has a chance at a batting title, as he continues his career-best season. Brett discussed him earlier today. Likewise, Michael Busch has started to show some signs of life, and I think he’s right on the doorstep of breaking back out offensively. Hell, he already has a four-game hitting streak brewing. Ian Happ’s strong run continues, as he’s now up to .276/.383/.514 (151 wRC+) over the last two months+ (214 PAs). Moises Ballesteros looks increasingly impressive, and now has eight hits over his five-game hitting streak, including a double, a triple, and a homer plus two walks (and just one strikeout total over 32 PAs). Dansby Swanson since August 19: .232/.330/.476 (126 wRC+)On the flip side …
Kyle Tucker is still out injured and unlikely to return tomorrow, when he’s eligible to come off the IL. Seiya Suzuki is with the team, but is still sick, so TBD on when we see him again. Pete Crow-Armstrong is in a DEEP funk, with just one hit in his last six games plus a 64 wRC+ in the second half of the season. Ouch. Matt Shaw has also gone a little cold, with just three hits and three walks in his last 30 PAs (-5 wRC+).Cubs vs Pirates – Pitching Probables:
Game 1: Monday, September 15 at 5:40 PM CT at PNC ParkBroadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, MLBN, 670 The Score
Cubs: Jameson Taillon, RHP Pirates: Braxton Ashcraft, RHPGame 2: Tuesday, September 16 at 5:40 PM CT at PNC ParkBroadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
Cubs: Cade Horton, RHP Pirates: Paul Skenes, RHPGame 3: Wednesday, September 17 at 11:35 PM CT at PNC ParkBroadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, MLBN, 670 The Score
Cubs: Matthew Boyd, LHP Pirates: Johan Oviedo, RHPCubs vs Pirates – Key Injuries:
Chicago Cubs:
Owen Caissie, OF Miguel Amaya, C Kyle Tucker, OF Michael Soroka, RP/SP Ryan Brasier, RP Daniel Palencia, RP Eli Morgan, RHP Justin Steele, LHP Seiya Suzuki, OF (Sick, but with the team)Pittsburgh Pirates:
Jack Suwinski, OF Ronny Simon, OF/IF Enmanuel Valdez, IF Jared Jones, SP Endy Rodriguez, C/1B (Open use, via Pixabay)Hence then, the article about surprise surprise we get to face paul skenes again cubs vs pirates series preview was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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