Atlanta Braves vs. the Cubs: series preview

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CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 12: Starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks #28 of the Chicago Cubs delivers the ball against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on September 12, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Brewers defeated the Cubs 5-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Game 1 Pitching Assignments

As of this writing, it appears that Sean Newcomb will get the assignment for Monday’s game for the Atlanta Braves.

There was some thought that Kevin Gausman might be available for this slot, but as he’s started the year on the IL (Injured List), we need a few more days to click off before he’s able to go… and that looks to be on Friday, April 5 against the Marlins.

Newcomb had a poor Spring… no sugar-coating it. His final numbers came out looking like this:

12 innings
12 hits
10 walks
7 earned runs

His last outing came during the last exhibition game against the Reds (the Pedro Florimon walk-off grand slam game)… and there was definitely reason for optimism:

4 innings
3 hits
0 walks
2 earned runs (via a 2-run homer)

The Braves have been emphasizing to their pitchers that they simplify things: do everything the same way – foot positions, placement on the mound, hand positions, cadence, release… everything.

While this approach is a really good idea for athletes whose entire being involves ‘repeatability’, it can take some time to get used to this kind of approach if it hasn’t already been ingrained in your mind. Ergo, some days may be better than others for a while.

Newcomb has seen the Cubs three times in his career (once in 2018)… and things haven’t gone especially well, so this repeatability thing could be vital on Monday. The Cubs’ team OPS against him is 1.042, though oddly Anthony Rizzo is 0-for-4.

His most recent vs. Chicago came on April 14 (one of those cold days), so it’s hard to use that as a gauge, though he got away with 3 runs allowed (2 earned) in 5.1 innings… with 4 walks.

Sean could be popular among fantasy team managers… those who have a stable of many Cub hitters, that is.

For the Visitors

Kyle Hendricks got a contract extension last week, but didn’t have an especially great Spring either: 5.06 ERA in 10.2 innings.

While his control was somewhat better (4 walks), he was very hittable (15 hits allowed). He hasn’t seen action in a major league game of any kind since March 21st, though, so the chance for rust is there. It’s likely that he was on a backfield somewhere for a tune-up in the meantime, though.

On that last recorded day, he threw into the 6th innings, giving up 7 hits and 3 runs vs. the Giants.

Against the Atlanta Braves, Kyle Hendricks doesn’t have a lot of reps. Nick Markakis, though, has seen him quite a bit and is 5 for 11 with 3 RBI.

Most of the other regulars have a hit against him in 6-or-fewer AB.

There’s a potential for a lot of runs to be scored here. Regardless, bullpen management could be very important.

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