Chicago Cubs and Marlins Preview: Pitching, Matchups and More
The Chicago Cubs will embark on a three-game series over the weekend against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park.
The Cubs are riding high after taking a series from the National League West's San Diego Padres during the week.
Chicago will try and maintain their momentum as they head into a showdown with the struggling Marlins.
Here are the matchups for every game and a prediction for the series.
Friday, April 28 at 5:40 p.m. CT
Marcus Stroman (2-2, 2.17 ERA) vs. Jesus Luzardo (2-1, 3.62 ERA)
Cubs ace Marcus Stroman is coming off his worst start of a spectacular 2023 MLB season against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He will look to get back on track against a floundering Marlins lineup.
On paper, this is a great matchup for Chicago and their offense, which has been firing on all cylinders.
Saturday, April 29 at 3:05 p.m. CT
Cubs Starter TBD vs. Edward Cabrera (1-2, 4.91)
While a starter hasn't been named yet, Caleb Kilian is likely to make a spot start on Saturday in the absence of Jameson Taillon.
Kilian hasn't pitched since April 19, so anything can happen here, but he is lined up well.
Javier Assad can't be called back up just yet and Adrian Simpson is on the injured list. So you've got Kilian.
This will be an interesting one that leans in the favor of the Marlins.
Sunday, April 30 at 11:05 a.m. CT
Justin Steele (4-0, 1.19 ERA) vs. Bryan Hoeing (0-1, 9.82 ERA)
You got to love morning baseball! And hopefully Justin Steele does too. But at this point he is throwing the ball so well it probably doesn't matter what time of day he will take the mound.
Hoeing has made one start of 3.2 innings and he gave up four earned runs. This should be a fun one for Chicago and could spell a complete game. These are the types of matchups the Cubs have been feasting on this season.
Prediction: The Cubs take the series 2-1 by winning the Friday and Sunday games. Saturday will be tough with Kilian getting the start and it feels like Miami gets one back.
But watch out as the Cubs should dominate the rubber match Sunday.
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