Cubs vs. Marlins: Lester vs Smith (Game 33)
CHC (19-13): LHP Jon Lester (2-1, 1.73 ERA)
MIA (10-24): LHP Caleb Smith (3-0, 2.00 ERA)
First pitch 7:05pmCDT
Jon Lester was stellar in his last outing, throwing 7 scoreless against the Mariners. He hasn't allowed more than 2 runs in a start this year and has a WHIP just below 1. He was on the IL for the series in Miami and will be facing the Marlins for the first time this season. Curtis Granderson has faced him in 51 ABs over the years and posted an .894 OPS. Martin Prado is 7-16 against him.Caleb Smith is off to a heck of a start and went 7 while allowing a solo HR last time out against Cleveland. His walk rate is well below his career average in the early going. He's a bit of a flyball pitcher, and the wind will probably be blowing in from CF tonight. He missed the Cubs last time around and nobody has seen him more than 3 times. Bryant is 2-3 with a double and a homer and has heated up recently. Small sample size fun: The best offensive numbers on the Cubs against lefties this year are Baez (1.773 OPS), Schwarber (1.038!) and Heyward (.853). Contreras has struck out 10 times in 29 PAs against left-handed pitchers.
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