Chicago Cubs @ Atlanta Braves – Series Preview (September 8-10): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (81-62) had a disappointing series against the lowly Nationals, losing two of three games at Wrigley Field. Possibly more damaging than the pair of defeats was the potential loss of closer Daniel Palencia, who left Sunday’s contest with right shoulder discomfort. Chicago now heads to Georgia to take on the Braves for the second time in less than a week.
Atlanta (64-79) had major pitching issues against the Mariners this weekend, allowing 28 total runs on Saturday and Sunday. They dropped their series at the Friendly Confines just last week, including blowing a 6-1 lead in Wednesday night’s loss. The North Siders will not avoid ace starter Chris Sale like they did in the previous matchup, however, as he will go in the finale.
Ozzie Albies continued to do what he always does against Cubs pitching with a pair of home runs and six total hits in the previous series. Matt Olson and Ronald Acuña Jr. both did damage as well and are fully healthy as the Braves play out the string in September.
Chicago hitters are continuing their inconsistent second half of the season, and it’s putting pressure on the bullpen. The relief pitching has mostly performed quite well, but it’s going to be even further strained if Palencia has to go on the shelf. Any kind of increased production from the lineup would be a huge help to that beleaguered unit right now.
The Cubs have another chance to get the bats going against a struggling pitching staff, but it’s really feeling like this is just the new normal for Craig Counsell‘s squad. The outlook for the playoffs would definitely be more sunny if that status quo changed.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, September 8 at 6:15pm CT on Marquee.
- Tuesday, September 9 at 6:15pm CT on Marquee.
- Wednesday, September 10 at 6:15pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 9/8 | Shōta Imanaga | 32 | L | 3.15 | 9-6 | 4.58 | 4.22 |
| Bryce Elder | 26 | R | 5.54 | 6–9 | 4.73 | 2.23 | |
| 9/9 | Cade Horton | 24 | R | 2.98 | 9-4 | 3.69 | 2.72 |
| Spencer Strider | 26 | R | 4.97 | 5-12 | 4.78 | 2.59 | |
| 9/10 | Javier Assad | 28 | R | 4.62 | 2-1 | 4.88 | 2.00 |
| Chris Sale | 36 | L | 2.38 | 5-4 | 2.60 | 4.89 |
What to Watch For
- Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong are day-to-day with leg injuries, but both are likely to play in Atlanta.
- Brad Keller will probably move into the closer position if Palencia is out.
- Carson Kelly has four hits in September, three of which are homers.
- Horton has been excellent, and limiting his innings saves bullets for October.
