Today will bring resolution to a Braves-Cubs series which began April 13. The two teams split the first two games of the series before the third was rained out, so the Braves find themselves back in Chicago on what was originally scheduled as an off-day.
Julio Teheran will take the mound for the Braves. Over his last 6 starts, he is 3-1 with a 1.54 ERA, and he has not allowed a run in 15 innings. Here’s how the Braves will line up behind him:
.@Julio_Teheran takes the mound today in Chicago! #ChopOn
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 14, 2018
Game Preview: https://t.co/JrO2GLmdfB pic.twitter.com/jLQrYy7zen
Of note in this lineup - Charlie Culberson gets the nod over Johan Camargo at short, and Tyler Flowers will start over Kurt Suzuki. As this game is a make-up of the April rainout, you could go so far as to say April showers are bringing May Flowers.
No more Dad jokes. I promise.
Cubs starter Jose Quintana has scuffled a bit this season, posting career-high walk rates and a 4.42 ERA / 4.29 EIP despite a 4-2 record. The only Braves who have done significant damage against him are Freddie Freeman (3-7 with a HR, 1.357 OPS) and Ozzie Albies, who hit a leadoff HR against him in April. Quintana was touched for 7 ER in 2 ⅓ innings against the Braves last time out, so hopefully the offense can recreate that magic.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon will trot out the following lineup:
Here is today's #Cubs lineup against the #Braves. #EverybodyIn
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 14, 2018
Game preview: https://t.co/ymiylXe36B pic.twitter.com/K746dnPE5P
In three career starts at Wrigley, Teheran is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA. Over his career, Julio has pitched well against this Cubs configuration, holding them to a .194/.286/.306/.592 line overall. Anthony Rizzo, hitting third as usual, has the most plate appearances against him, going 4-17 with three walks and a HR. Kris Bryant is 0-8 with 5 strikeouts, and “left fielder” Kyle Schwarber is 3-6 with a double.
The ivy on Wrigley’s walls should be greener than the last time the Braves were in town, but you’ll have to tune in to find out for sure.