It was a strong day for those who trailed yesterday.
We bet on the Toronto Blue Jays, and their starting pitcher, Dylan Cease, was throwing a no-hitter for eight innings before he lost it in the top of the ninth. Interestingly enough, I mentioned that both starters could throw a complete-game shutout. Cease would’ve done it if his pitch count was a bit lower — he had 11 strikeouts. Let’s try to get another clean sweep today.
The Chicago Cubs are in one of their better stretches again. I’ve talked quite a bit about how their season has gone when I’ve covered them in the past. The Cubs have had two ten-game winning streaks and a ten-game losing streak. That’s not common for a team. Offensively, the Cubs are led by Pete Crow-Armstrong, who is quickly becoming one of the most polarizing figures in the game. There really is no denying his talent, but there are also moments where you can see he is 24 years old. That’s not a knock; it is the reality of the situation.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) is congratulated by infielder Michael Busch (29) after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. (Jamie Sabau/Imagn Images)
If the Cubs want to get where they want to go, they absolutely need to have some pitching added to this team. Their starters have been decimated, with all but one of the five from Opening Day (I believe) spending time on the injured list at this point. The Cubs went out and traded for today’s starter, David Peterson.
His first start with the Cubbies did not go well, giving up 10 earned runs on nine hits in 3.2 innings. Perhaps something can be adjusted with his mechanics, because he has been fine in some games and awful in others. The good news is that Orioles hitters have not hit Peterson well, batting just .139 against him in 36 at-bats.
Chicago Cubs pitcher David Peterson (19) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. (Michael McLoone/Imagn Images)
The Baltimore Orioles’ season has been a disaster, and they are starting to run out of time to turn it around. This was a year they expected to adjust and return to the success they had found two years ago. Just a few years ago, this was a team that was viewed as one with a bright future because of the young talent. Their pitching hasn’t quite aligned with how their hitting has developed, and that certainly is part of the issue. Being in the American League East also doesn’t help them, as it is one of the hardest divisions to play in.
Today, they send out Trevor Rogers to the hill in hopes that he can avoid a sweep. For the season, Rogers is 6-7 with a 4.70 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. None of those numbers are very encouraging. He is also the owner of a 5.02 home ERA, which is another reason for concern. There is one positive that can be taken away, though, and that is his current form. Lately, he’s been solid on the mound, allowing just seven earned runs over his past 35.2 innings of work. Cubs hitters have had decent success against him with 12 hits in 48 at-bats.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Trevor Rogers (28) delivers during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. (James A. Pittman/Imagn Images)
Crow-Armstrong had another strong game yesterday, so it would probably be wise to back him while he continues his hot hitting. However, I’m probably not going to get too deep into player props in this one. I’ve found lately that they are a bit harder for me to be consistently good at, but I still like mentioning for those that play fantasy or like them.
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Instead, my play is going to be to continue fading Peterson until he proves that he has made the necessary adjustments. I think the Cubs will eventually turn him around, but I’m not comfortable backing him. Give me the birds in this one, as I think Baltimore takes down Chicago and avoids the sweep.
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