Chapman joins Cubs for battle vs. White Sox
Even on a day when the White Sox notched a huge victory, their crosstown rivals still managed to snag the spotlight.
Irrespective of last night’s 5-4 defeat to the South Siders, the Cubs were riding high. That’s what adding arguably the sport’s most dominant reliever to the majors’ top team will do for the soul. General manager Theo Epstein kicked off the week by plucking Aroldis Chapman from the Yankees in exchange for Class A stud Gleyber Torres and three other prospects.
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Joe Maddon expects to have the flame-throwing closer at his disposal for this evening’s tilt at U.S. Cellular Field. Handicappers at online sports book BetDSI list the Cubbies as 1.5-run favorites, whereas the White Sox represent +152 underdogs. The over/under run total rests at nine.
Before Chapman can dazzle the masses in the late innings, the North Siders must “settle” for another rock-solid Kyle Hendricks appearance. Among qualifying rotation members in the senior circuit, the sinkerballer boasts the third-best ERA at 2.27. He’s just 2-5 on the road in 2016, logging six-plus frames in two of those eight assignments.
Robin Ventura counters with James Shields, who finally seems ready to turn the corner. Acquired from San Diego on June 4, the veteran righty went 1-2 with an 11.07 ERA in his first five outings back in the AL. July, however, has produced radically different results. Shields now targets his fifth quality start in a row.
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Good luck holding down the Cubs in several hours, though. They nearly stormed from behind to steal the opener despite a rare Jake Arrieta clunker, and Maddon certainly won’t want to wait long to deploy his newest toy. Bank on Chapman converting his 21st save in 22 opportunities.
TUESDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS -1.5