ICYMI, the Cubs signed Liam Hendriks to a minor-league deal today. Can’t hurt, I suppose.
Wednesday notes…
- STREAKING THE WRONG WAY: The Cubs have lost three straight games since their 10-game winning streak ended Saturday, just as they lost three in a row following their earlier 10 straight wins. They also dropped three in a row after double-digit streaks of 11 games in 1935 and 10 games in 1998 and this year. They lost four straight after winning 13, May 5-19, 1928. They lost five straight after winning 10, May 6-17, 1917, and after winning 11, July 25-Aug. 4, 1944. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
- THE CALENDAR MIGHT BODE WELL: The Cubs are 6-0 on Wednesdays this season: 3-0 at home and on the road. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
- THE BUSCH LEAGUE: Michael Busch, last 21 games since April 20: .303/.432/.526 (23-for-76) with six doubles, a triple, three home runs, 16 walks and 20 RBI.
- TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Steve Trachsel allowed a leadoff double to Houston’s Brian Hunter. It was the only hit he gave up in a complete-game, one-hit shutout over the Astros. Luis Gonzalez and Sammy Sosa homered and the Cubs won 6-0. It happened 30 years ago today, Monday, May 13, 1996.
Cubs lineup:
Braves lineup:
Shōta Imanaga, LHP vs. JR Ritchie, RHP
Shōta Imanaga has been just outstanding this year. Last seven starts: 1.70 ERA, 0.850 WHIP, 46 strikeouts in 42.1 innings with only three home runs allowed. The lack of home runs given up is a really positive development.
So, the complaint department is closed regarding Imanaga, at least for now.
Matt Olson is 4-f0r-8 with a triple off Shōta and Ozzie Albies is 5-for-9.
JR Ritchie was a Braves’ first-round compensation pick (35th overall) in 2022 out of high school in Washington state.
He’s 22 and was a top 100 prospect before this season and made his MLB debut April 23. He’s made three starts, all of which were at least decent. He’s obviously never faced the Cubs or anyone on their active roster.
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Here is the weather forecast for the area around Truist Park.
Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network.
Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
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The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
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