Cubs @ Mariners: Series Thread (Games 13-15)

The Cubs were able to manage only one win in San Diego. Their two losses included blowing an eight-run lead in the series opener. Following a day off on Thursday, they proceed to Seattle for another three-game series. See daily matchups below. 

Game 13, Friday, April 12, 8:40 pm central
CHC: LHP Jordan Wicks (0-1, 4.15 ERA)
SEA: RHP Bryce Miller (1-1, 3.00 ERA) 

Wicks is still in search of the last out of the fifth inning. He's posted higher than expected strikeout and walk rates so far, albeit in only 8.2 innings pitched. He's also used his changeup at just over half the rate he did last year and is turning more frequently to the fastball--possibly a biproduct of his relatively short starts so far.


Bryce Miller made 25 MLB starts as a rookie in 2023. He showed better than average command of the strikezone and relied heavily on a fastball that sits at 95 mph. In a very limited sample, lefties have had significantly more success off the hard-throwing righthander.

Game 14, Saturday, April 13, 8:40 pm central
CHC: LHP Shota Imanaga (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
SEA: RHP Emerson Hancock (1-1, 11.42 ERA) 

Imanaga's second start was going swimmingly before it was interrupted by rain. He needed only 43 pitches to get through four scoreless innings. That shortened outing and an extra day of rest should have him raring to go for his third MLB start. 

Emerson Hancock jumped from AA to make three MLB starts in 2023. He was drafted sixth overall in 2020 and profiles as a pitch-to-contact, strong command type. His fastball sits around 93 and he complements it with a slider and changeup. 

Game 15, Sunday, April 14, 3:10 pm central
CHC: TBD
SEA: RHP Luis Castillo (0-3, 6.89 ERA) 

Although no starter has been announced as of my writing this post, Javier Assad's spot in the rotation is due up. The day off before the series gives the Cubs the option of skipping this spot or potentially piggy backing Assad and Ben Brown. Assad was cruising in his last start before the Padres exploded for their historic comeback, which began with Assad on the mound. 

While Luis Castillo carries an inflated ERA from his first three starts, he's continuing to show strong peripherals. Castillo has struck out 18 and walked 4 in those 15.2 innings so far. His fastball is down a tick or two compared to his time in the NL central but still averages 95 mph. He's traded some changeup usage for increased slider and fastball usage in recent years as well. 

The Cubs travel to Arizona for their next series.