Cubs @ Nationals: Hendricks vs. Zimmermann (Game 55 Thread)

CHC (29-25): RHP Kyle Hendricks (1-2, 3.99)
WAS (30-26): RHP Jordan Zimmermann (5-2, 2.88)
First pitch: 3:05pmCT
 

Hendricks gave up 1 ER in 7 innings against the Nationals last time around. The Cubs won it in the 9th on a Russell double. Last time out, Hendricks gave up 4 ER in 6 innings in Miami and took the loss in the game that ended 5-2.

Zimmermann went 7 innings and gave up 1 ER against the Cubs at Wrigley but didn’t factor in the decision. In his last outing, he kept the Blue Jays off the board for 8 innings and got the W in the 2-0 WAS victory. He will look really nice in Cubbie blue next year.

Rizzo has the best numbers against Zimmermann, 4-10 with a HR, and is now working a career-high 11-game hitting streak. Meanwhile, his 1.051 OPS is currently the third best in all of baseball, behind only Harper and Goldschmidt. Montero (7-19) also has had success against Zimmermann. Castro (4-22), Coghlan (4-19), and Fowler (3-17), not so much. The Nationals are 5-22 (.227) against Hendricks. Harper (8-20 in June) has a HR--his solo shot in the 7th last week against him, for which he managed to keep his helmet on.

Castro returns to SS, after a much-needed day off--I was in NYC getting a good bagel and seeing the Mad Men exhibit at the Museum of the Moving Image and was sad to miss Russell’s debut there--and Russell gets a not-needed day away from SS.

In other news, Chris Denorfia (who I would never skip a bagel for) is back, and Szczur uses his frequent flyer miles for a trip back to Iowa. The walking boot has considerably reduced the swelling in Soler’s left ankle, and he is on target to return when he is eligible (June 18). And there are four days till the Javy watch begins in earnest.

The Cubs gained a little ground in the NL Central yesterday, courtesy of Clayton Kershaw, who can pitch against STL every day, as far as I’m concerned. Taking 3 from the Nationals on the road would be huge, so let’s do that.

After a day off tomorrow, the reeling Tigers are next on the trip. Detroit's pitchers have not been finalized, but we could see Sanchez and Greene, who have both been dreadful. Fortunately, we’ll miss Price, who beat the stink out of the White Sox yesterday.

Go Cubs!