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CUBS VS NATIONALS — This weekend was supposed to be (very likely) Kyle Hendricks’ last start in a Cubs uniform *at Wrigley Field*. But with Justin Steele coming back and changing the rotation, Hendricks will probably get ANOTHER start at Wrigley Field against the Reds in the last series of the year. So that’s nice. Brett will be discussing Kyle Hendricks’ plans for next season later today, so stay tuned.
Meanwhile, the Cubs do indeed have another series against another beatable team. However, they’ve lost their last two series against the beatable Rockies and A’s, so… maybe it’s the Cubs who are beatable.
There are only ten games left. If the Cubs win (which they won’t), they could finish with a final score of 87-75. If they lose (which they won’t), they would finish with a final score of 77-85. Best guess? They’ll end up right in the middle with 82-83 wins… exactly where they were projected to end up before the season even started. Cool.
What to watch for in this series? Continued strong and healthy finish for Javier Assad, who is a key part of the Cubs’ rotation plans for next year. He’s had a solid run here lately, making 27 starts this year with a 3.27 ERA. Good season for him.
And the same goes for Jameson Taillon, who after a TERRIBLE five-start streak from July 29-August 21 (6.84 ERA over 26.1 IP), has had four excellent starts in a row: 2.45 ERA over 25.2 IP. He will be in the Cubs’ rotation next season, so again, please finish healthy and strong.
It’s arbitrary and meaningless, but I’m curious to see if Pete Crow-Armstrong can turn his 2.7 WAR into 3.0 WAR before the end of the season. He’ll have to stay in top form, but he’s in top form so far. PCA has a five-game hitting streak and is hitting an incredible .333/.390/.548 (160 wRC+) in his last 106 PAs.
Cubs vs. Nationals – Probable Pitching Results:
Game 1: Cubs vs Nationals – Thursday, September 19, 6:40 p.m. CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The result
Game 2: Cubs vs. Nationals – Friday, September 20, 1:20 CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The result
Game 3: Cubs vs. Nationals – Saturday, September 21, 1:20 CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast info: Marquee Sports Network, MLBN, 670 The result
Game 4: Cubs vs. Nationals – Sunday, September 22, 1:20 CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The result
Cubs vs. Nationals – Important Injuries:
Chicago Cubs:
Washington Nationals:
