Cubs @ Pirates Series Preview (September 21-24): TV and Game Info, Starting Pitchers, Insights
The Cubs are in very good position to make the playoffs and win the NL Central, buy they have some big offensive issues. Those were clearly on display as they scored a grand total of three runs in dropping two of three to the Twins to close their 2020 home schedule.
Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber, Javy Báez and Willson Contreras all continue to massively under-perform their career numbers. The strange season certainly contributes to that and means there’s really no time to turn it around, but the playoffs are a week away and that isn’t going to matter.
It’s hard to imagine a deep postseason run if the offense continues scoring just a run per game, no matter how well the pitching staff is going. The good news is that the Cubs have a chance to get the bats healthy as they head to Pittsburgh for four games against a team they should be able to beat up pretty easily.
The Pirates have been awful down the stretch, serving as a punching bag for the rest of the Central. It’s honestly not hyperbole to say if Chicago can’t hit what passes for the Bucs pitchers right now, they won’t be able to hit anyone.
If this doesn’t get the hitters going they may have to sacrifice a live chicken in the Cubs clubhouse. For everyone’s sake, especially the cleaning crew, it’d be best to get the offense cranking in the Steel City.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, September 21 at 6:05pm CT on Marquee
- Tuesday, September 22 at 6:05pm CT on Marquee
- Wednesday, September 23 at 6:05pm CT on MLB Network and Marquee
- Thursday, September 24 at 12:35pm CT on Marquee
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 9/21 | Jon Lester | 36 | L | 4.91 | 2-2 | 5.17 | 2.92 |
| JT Brubaker | 26 | R | 4.79 | 1-2 | 3.89 | 2.57 | |
| 9/22 | TBA | ||||||
| Steven Brault | 28 | L | 4.04 | 1-3 | 3.97 | 1.68 | |
| 9/23 | Kyle Hendricks | 30 | R | 2.93 | 6-4 | 3.27 | 8.71 |
| Trevor Williams | 28 | R | 6.70 | 1-8 | 6.37 | 2.50 | |
| 9/24 | Alec Mills | 28 | R | 4.14 | 5-4 | 4.92 | 2.44 |
| Chad Kuhl | 28 | R | 5.03 | 1-3 | 5.83 | 1.56 |
What to Watch For
- This is where I would normally highlight a Cubs hitter on a hot streak, but there are none at the moment.
- Hendricks has been dominant in September and now boasts a 2.93 season ERA.
- The Cubs should clinch at least a playoff spot this series and could take the division with a sweep.