Cubs at Dodgers Series Preview (June 13-16): TV and Game Info, Starting Pitchers, Insights
Stock up on your favorite caffeinated beverages, because this leg of the ongoing West Coast visit brings us another slate of late-night starts. The Cubs avoided a sweep at Coors Field with Wednesday’s W, but the Dodgers weren’t so lucky and were swept by the Angels in their last series. Worse for LA, shortstop Corey Seager has a hamstring injury that seems likely to have some long-term implications.
The Dodgers have faced some of the same pitching complications as the Cubs this season, but their starting rotation has been strong and continues to perform given the bullpen instability. Still the Dodgers are the best team in the National League at 45-22, and as of writing, are just a smidge behind the Astros in overall W/L.
It’s hard to predict some of these games given the erratic nature of the Cubs’ offense and the respective bullpen issues, or what lineups Joe Maddon might have up his sleeve. Dave Roberts could have some mischief of his own brewing, and the managers may be looking to play the matchups with two left-handers starting on Thursday. Steve Cishek’s injury and Brad Brach‘s disappointing performance mean the Dodgers may just hope to wait Jon Lester out and attack the bullpen.
On Friday, Kyle Hendricks will be looking to improve on his last outing against the Dodgers as he puts his string of good starts to a stern test. Yu Darvish is the probable pitcher for Saturday’s game and is coming off yet another no-decision. His walk rate has dropped considerably over the last few starts, but there’s still something that hasn’t quite jelled for the right-hander. José Quintana had a rough outing at Coors on Tuesday, too, and as a lefty starter may see a range of batters in his outing on Sunday.
Game and Broadcast Info
- Thursday, June 13th at 9:10 CT on NBC Sports Chicago+
- Friday, June 14th at 9:10 CT on WGN
- Saturday, June 15th at 8:10 CT on ABC 7
- Sunday, June 16th at 6:05 CT on ESPN
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | W/L | ERA | FIP | K/BB |
| 6/13 | Jon Lester | 35 | L | 5-4 | 3.56 | 3.91 | 3.88 |
| Clayton Kershaw | 31 | L | 5-1 | 3.00 | 3.39 | 5.90 | |
| 6/14 | Kyle Hendricks | 29 | R | 7-4 | 3.00 | 3.11 | 5.29 |
| Rich Hill | 39 | L | 3-1 | 2.40 | 4.08 | 4.33 | |
| 6/15 | Yu Darvish | 32 | R | 2-3 | 4.98 | 5.27 | 1.84 |
| Walker Buehler | 24 | R | 7-1 | 3.35 | 3.01 | 6.00 | |
| 6/16 | José Quintana | 30 | L | 4-6 | 3.89 | 3.63 | 2.88 |
| Hyun-Jin Ryu | 32 | L | 9-1 | 1.36 | 2.62 | 15.40 |
What to Watch For
- Kershaw is coming off his first L of the season, but he only gave up two runs in that seven-inning outing against the Giants.
- While we won’t see Craig Kimbrel in LA — and maybe not in June — perhaps the promise of an elite closer will enliven the Cubs bullpen.
- Will Kyle Schwarber stay hot? He had one off game in Colorado, but he’s had some impressive moments both ways over the last two series, and he’s knocking the heck out of the ball.