This is the second game of a three-game series in Chicago between the Cubs and visiting Pittsburgh Pirates.
Paul Skenes is scheduled to pitch for Pittsburgh while Cade Horton should get the nod for Chicago.
Pirates at Cubs prediction, preview
Paul Skenes has been great through 91 innings this season. Unfortunately, he has also been somewhat disappointing, as the record is 4-6 while the strikeout rate is “only” 26.7%. Last season, it was 33.1%. Well, the win/loss record isn’t entirely up to him, as he’s allowed one or fewer earned runs in nine starts. The 1.88 ERA is great, but it’s not supported by the 2.5 FIP. Skenes has had good fortune for sure, as the BABIP is only .226. That said, the barrel rate is only 4.8% while the hard hit rate is 37.7%. Skenes is one of the best pitchers in MLB. He just hasn’t been the possible Hall of Fame Skenes yet.
There are no discernible splits for Skenes. He’s been deadly against both righties and lefties while showing no discrimination as to where he delivers the filth.
As mentioned above, Skenes has allowed one or fewer earned runs in nine starts this season. He’s allowed at least three earned twice – a five earned run outing against the St. Louis Cardinals during his third start of the season and three earned runs to the Cubs at home on May 1st.
Against right-handed pitching, the Cubs have struck out at the 22nd-highest rate while having the fourth-best ISO. The wOBA is fourth-best in MLB.
Cade Horton has been very solid in his first MLB stint. Through 30.2 innings, the FIP is 40.2 and he’s only walked seven batters and allowed four home runs. Most young pitchers struggle with command early on, so that’s a positive development. The strikeout rate is only 18.9%, but the swinging strike rate is 11.8% while the chase rate is 29.9%.
The Giants have struck out at the 11th-highest rate against right-handed pitching while being 22nd in ISO. The wOBA is 23rd-best.
As for splits, lefties are hitting for a higher batting average, but that’s been fueled by a .345 BABIP. The FIP is only 2.75. Righties have done most of the damage, hitting three of the four home runs and posting a 5.84 FIP against Horton. He has been better on the road than at home.
Horton has allowed at least three earned runs in three of five starts. His first appearance was four innings but in a relief role. In his most recent outing, the Detroit Tigers tagged him for four earned runs in five innings. This will be the first time facing Pittsburgh this season.
As for bullpens, Pittsburgh has the 11th-lowest FIP while Chicago has the 10th-lowest.
Pirates at Cubs, Best Bet
In Skenes I Trust to shut down the Cubs offense. He is just so good. The question is always, will the Pirates score enough to get him the win? I think they can plate a couple or three, as Horton hasn’t been anything special.
