Cubs vs. Reds: Series Thread (Games 101-104)
The Cubs have one last home series before the trade deadline. These four games might be fans' last look at any one of the trade targets still on the Cubs roster. See below for the projected matchups against the second-place Reds.
Game 101, Monday, July 26, 7:05 pm central
CHC: RHP Kyle Hendricks (12-4, 3.61 ERA)
CIN: LHP Wade Miley (8-4, 2.72 ERA)
Hendricks is one of the few remaining members of the 2016 who has not had trade rumors over the last year or two. He'll be looking to continue a lengthy undefeated streak.
Miley is having a career year at the age of 34, nearly matching his highest single-season WAR with more than two months remaining. Going back to May 31, he's gone at least five innings (and often more) in all of his starts. He pitched a no-hitter against Cleveland back in early May.
Game 102, Tuesday, July 27, 7:05 pm central
CHC: RHP Adbert Alzolay (4-10, 4.58 ERA)
CIN: RHP Vladimir Gutierrez (4-3, 4.97 ERA)
Alzolay's balance has tipped from promise to frustration of late. Really very little has changed about his pitching throughout the season, but he's continued to get dinged by the long-ball. Last time, he took a loss to the Cards despite striking out 8 because he allowed another pair of homeruns. It was the 8th time this season that he's allowed two homers in a game.
The 25-year-old rookie Gutierrez has made ten starts for the Reds this season and has performed at roughly replacement level. He doesn't have any standout peripherals, neither missing bats nor pitchign effectively to contact, and his homerun rate is almost as poor as his opposing pitcher on this day. He does, however, boast a decent fastball and plus breaking stuff.
Game 103, Wednesday, July 28, 7:05 pm central
CHC: RHP Zach Davies (6-6, 4.30 ERA)
CIN: RHP Tyler Mahle (7-3, 3.92 ERA)
Davies earned his sixth win and got a season high eight punchouts in his last start, 5.1 innings against the Diamondbacks.
Tyler Mahle has not earned a decision in four July starts. His last win came more than a month ago, on June 16. He held the Cubs to two runs, one earned, over five innings on July third.
Game 104, Thursday, July 29, 1:20 pm central
CHC: RHP Alec Mills (4-3, 4.55 ERA)
CIN: RHP Luis Castillo (4-10, 4.20 ERA)
Alec "Is this guy good? He might be all right?" Mills gave the Cubs five innings and allowed two earned runs while collecting only one strikeout against Arizona.
Castillo appears to have figured something out around the end of May. Since May 29, he's held an ERA of only 1.84.
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