Cubs vs Nationals Series Preview

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CUBS VS NATIONALS — This weekend was (very likely) GOING to be Kyle Hendricks final start in a Cubs uniform *at Wrigley Field*. But because Justin Steele came back and moved the rotation around, Hendricks will likely get one OTHER start at Wrigley Field against the Reds in the final series of the year. So that’s nice. Brett’s going to get into Kyle Hendricks’ plans for next season later today, so head’s up on that.

In the meantime, yes, the Cubs have another series on tap against another beatable team. Except, they lost each of 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 remaining, if the Cubs won out (they won’t), they could finish with a final record of 87-75. If they lose out (they won’t), they’d finish with a record of 77-85. Best guess? They wind up neatly in the middle, with 82-83 wins … exactly where they were projected to finish before the season even began. Cool.

Among the things to watch this series? A continued strong and healthy finish for Javier Assad, who figures deeply into the Cubs rotation plans next year. He’s been on solid run here lately and is up to 27 starts on the year with a 3.27 ERA. Good season for him.

And the same goes for Jameson Taillon, who, after a HORRIBLE streak of five starts from July 29 to August 21 (6.84 ERA over 26.1 IP), has made four excellent starts in a row: 2.45 ERA over 25.2 IP. He’s going to be in the Cubs rotation next season. So again, finish healthy and strong, please.

It’s arbitrary and meaningless, but I’m dying 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 hot, but hot he has been. PCA has a five-game hitting streak and is slashing a ridiculous .333/.390/.548 (160 wRC+) over his last 106 PAs.

Cubs vs Nationals – Pitching Probables:

Game 1: Cubs vs Nationals — Thursday, September 19 at 6:40 pm CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score

Cubs: Javier Assad, RHP

Nationals: Patrick Corbin, LHP

Game 2: Cubs vs Nationals — Friday, September 20 at 1:20 CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score

Cubs: Jameson Taillon, RHP

Nationals: Trevor Williams, RHP (probable)

Game 3: Cubs vs Nationals — Saturday, September 21 at 1:20 CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, MLBN, 670 The Score

Cubs: Kyle Hendricks, RHP

Nationals: MacKenzie Gore, LHP (probable)

Game 4: Cubs vs Nationals — Sunday, September 22 at 1:20 CT at Wrigley Field
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score

Cubs: Shota Imanaga, LHP

Nationals: Jake Irvin, RHP (probable)

Cubs vs Nationals – Key Injuries:

:

Hayden Wesneski, SP

Julian Merryweather, RP

Nick Madrigal, IF

Ben Brown, RP

Colten Brewer, RP

Yency Almonte, RP

Luke Little, RP

Adbert Alzolay, RP

Brennen Davis, OF

:

Alex Call, OF

Jordan Weems, RP

Joan Adon, RP

Cade Cavalli, SP

Mason Thompson, RP

Trevor Williams, SP (possibly back this series)

Josiah Gray, SP