Cubs @ Marlins Series Preview (August 13-15): TV and Game Info, Starting Pitchers, Insights
As you may have noticed, things are going quite badly for the Chicago Cubs (52-65). They have lost 13 of their last 15 games as they adjust to their trade-diminished roster and were just dispatched by the Brewers with ease in a four-game sweep in which the home team was outscored 37-9.
Chicago now limps into Miami to take on the last-place Marlins for three games starting Friday. The Marlins have been lousy in 2021 with a 48-67 record, third-worst in the National League, and they currently hold the No. 5 draft pick the Cubs are eyeing.
Pitching is not the issue for Miami, as their 3.75 team ERA is just shy of the top 10 in baseball. The offense, on the other hand, suffers from a dearth of power and run-scoring. Cub fans remember Adam Duvall hitting four home runs against them at Wrigley this June, but he has been dealt to Atlanta. Jesús Aguilar and his 20 home runs are still a part of the Marlins’ roster, however, and he is the main threat in the order.
An injury to Willson Contreras has further weakened the Cubs offense, if that is possible, and they are going to need much better pitching if they want to win some games down the stretch. Even against an equally bad opponent, things could still be pretty rough this series.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Friday, August 13 at 6:05pm CT on Marquee Sports Network
- Saturday, August 14 at 5:05pm CT on Marquee Sports Network
- Sunday, August 15 at 12:10pm CT on Marquee Sports Network
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 8/13 | Adbert Alzolay | 26 | R | 4.71 | 4-12 | 5.03 | 3.42 |
| Jesús Luzardo | 23 | L | 7.36 | 3-5 | 5.56 | 1.00 | |
| 8/14 | Zach Davies | 28 | R | 5.26 | 6-9 | 5.14 | 1.38 |
| TBA | |||||||
| 8/15 | Alec Mills | 29 | R | 4.27 | 5-4 | 4.14 | 2.41 |
| Zach Thompson | 27 | R | 3.09 | 2-5 | 3.78 | 2.25 |
What to Watch For
- Rafael Ortega has reached base in 15 consecutive games, mainly out of the leadoff spot.
- Frank Schwindel is hitting .364 with two home runs since joining the Cubs.
- Mills has been the Cubs’ most effective starter recently as he auditions for a 2022 role.