Cubs @ Pirates (Game 55)
With last night's shutout victory, the Cubs (32-22) are now 4.5 games ahead of the virtually tied Cardinals and Reds. They'll call up Jose Quintana for his first start (and third appearance) of 2020. Meanwhile, Bryant is out with an oblique injury and Rex Brothers is sent down to make room for Quintana. 6 total games remain and the Cubs' magic number stands at 4 (because the Cards have 9 games left).CHC (32-22): LHP Jose Quintana (0-0, 6.00 ERA)
PIT (15-39): LHP Steven Brault (1-3, 4.04 ERA)
First pitch 6:05 pm central
After making two 3-inning relief appearances on Aug. 25th and 30th, Quintana returned to the IL with a non-arm injury. Today, he'll make his first start of 2020. This should be an important step in determining whether to build him up for a potential post-season start or to begin assessing him as a relief option. He's allowed 4 earned runs in 6 innings of relief, but he does have 9 strikeouts in that time.
Steven Brault's lone win of the season came in his last start, in which he pitched a complete game and allowed only one earned run. He also allowed only two hits and gave up 8 strikeouts. It's not quite an Alec Mills no-hitter, but it must've been a pleasant surprise to the Pirates fans watching him take on St. Louis. He last faced the Cubs in a Aug. 2nd start in which he pitched 3 shutout innings and struck out 4. He'll be happy to miss Bryant, who is 8-16 with 2 homeruns against him. The struggling Jose Martinez, 4-9, should find his way into this game as Ross tries to find him opportunities.
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