Well, here we go again! Game 1 of today’s doubleheader, which was rained out on both June 18 and August 18, will finally be played as scheduled. Milwaukee comes into today’s games in search of their league-leading 80th win.
Chad Patrick, making his first big-league start since July 5, will take the mound for Milwaukee. In that start, against Miami, Patrick allowed four hits and two earned runs through five innings pitched. The rookie right-hander was a steady contributor over the first couple months of the season, with a 3.52 ERA and 4.10 FIP through 19 appearances (18 starts) this season. He still has the third-most WAR of any Brewers rookie, behind Isaac Collins (2.8) and Caleb Durbin (2.1).
As the rotation got healthier, Patrick wasn’t needed in the big league rotation, so he was optioned down to Triple-A Nashville after his start against the Marlins. This is most likely a spot start for Patrick, as he’s filling the extra 27th roster spot made available during a doubleheader. Still, it will be good to see him back on the hill in a Brewers uniform.
On the mound for Chicago will be veteran lefty Matthew Boyd, who was originally expected to start Game 2 of tonight’s doubleheader. Boyd has had a career season this year with the Cubs, sporting a 2.46 ERA and 3.18 FIP while earning his first All-Star selection. The Cubs will now tab last night’s scheduled starter, Jameson Taillon, for the nightcap.
Sal Frelick is back in the leadoff spot in place of Brice Turang, who led off yesterday. Caleb Durbin hits second after homering in yesterday’s game. Isaac Collins is hitting sixth and playing left field in his return from the paternity list (congratulations, Isaac!). Turang’s in the seven-hole in front of Brandon Lockridge, who gets the start in center field today.
Notably, prized trade acquisition and NL All-Star starter Kyle Tucker is not in Chicago’s lineup today. Cubs manager Craig Counsell has elected to give the struggling slugger some “days off to reset” before their playoff push. Cubs No. 1 prospect Owen Caissie is playing right field and batting sixth today.
Full lineups for both teams are below. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Wisconsin and the Brewers Radio Network, with first pitch set for 1:20 p.m. CT.
