Mariners vs. Cubs Game Preview 6/22: Counsell Going With A Different Lineup Today
CHICAGO, IL - The Cubs find themselves in another rubber-match game as they look to win the series over the Seattle Mariners. Colin Rea (4–2) takes the mound today for Chicago, but he has a tall task ahead as he faces off against right-hander Logan Gilbert (1–2).
Craig Counsell a retooled lineup for Sunday: LF Ian Happ will lead off, followed by DH Kyle Tucker and RF Seiya Suzuki. CF Pete Crow-Armstrong remains in the four hole, followed by 1B Michael Busch and SS Nico Hoerner. 3B Matt Shaw, C Reese McGuire, and 2B Vidal Bruján will cap off the lineup.
Logan Gilbert is the ace of this incredibly strong Seattle starting rotation, but he has spent most the season so far on the injured-list. However, when healthy, it is clear he is one of the best pitchers in baseball. His fastball, breaking, and offspeed pitches are all above average when it comes to pitching run-value.
The right-hander has a five-pitch arsenal: a four-seamer (34%), slider (32%), splitter (21%), curveball (11%), and a sinker (3%). Gilbert is one of the top strikeout pitchers in the game, punching out batters 40% of the time, as well as ranking in the top 1% when it comes to getting swings and misses. He also maintains an incredibly low walk-rate at 5%. Cub hitters have a hefty task at hand today.
Dan Wilson countered with the following lineup: SS J.P. Crawford will lead off, followed by CF Julio Rodríguez and DH Cal Raleigh. DH Jorge Polanco will bat cleanup, followed by LF Randy Arozarena and C Mitch Garver. 1B Donovan Solano, RF Dominic Canzone, and 3B Miles Mastrobuoni will round out the Seattle lineup.
Colin Rea has been a solid replacement in the Cubs rotation, but his production is starting to fall off. In his last five starts, he has posted an ERA over six, and it just seems hitters are more informed on his weaknesses. It will be interesting to see how he fares today against a strong Mariner offense.
The Cubs have a tough task at hand today, as it will be a hot/muggy day at the ballpark. Meaning, the ball will be carrying a ton. Keeping the ball out of the air is important for success today. First pitch at 1:20 p.m. Central Time.