M’s turn to Hernandez for finale vs. Cubs
Yes, the MLB-best Cubs are prepared to deploy journeyman Brian Matusz as a (temporary) sixth starter. Moreover, they’re strangely fine with doing so on the national stage.
The former stud prospect gets his shot at redemption tonight. At 8:08 p.m. ET, Chicago hosts Felix Hernandez and Seattle in the finale of a three-game interleague series. Online sports book BetDSI leans toward Joe Maddon’s squad, whereas the Mariners are considered +126 underdogs. The over/under run total holds steady at eight.
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Several years ago, Matusz was regarded as one of the most talented young lefties in the sport. He washed out of Baltimore, though, after going 27-41 with a 4.79 ERA in 279 appearances. The Cubbies inked Matusz to a minor-league deal in mid-June, at which time he reported to Class AAA Iowa. Initial results were good, to the tune of a 1.93 ERA in 9 1/3 innings.
Of course, few expected the parent club to summon him for this evening’s rubber match. Yet Maddon has been adamant about finding spots to give Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, John Lackey and Jason Hammel additional rest. If Matusz can hold down a Seattle attack that leads the AL West in runs scored, homers and OPS, he stands a strong chance of sticking around the Windy City.
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Hernandez, for his part, represents a fixture in the Pacific Northwest. The six-time All-Star draws just his 13th assignment of the season, however, thanks to a strained right calf that wiped out the majority of June and July. He last faced Chicago on June 24, 2010.
It’s foolhardy to assume that any amount of adrenaline can let Matusz go toe-to-toe with a Seattle legend, but the Cubs’ bullpen setup is such that any contest can be shortened considerably. Bank on a tighter-than-expected affair, especially with Hernandez regaining stamina following a lengthy layoff.
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