Yesterday’s series opener against the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs went about as poorly as it could have gone. Tyler Alexander, a last-minute addition to the lineup as the opener, went just 2⁄3 of an inning (2 ER) before being pulled in favor of Quinn Priester. Chicago then tagged Priester for seven runs in the second on their way to a 10-0 victory.
Luckily, the Brewers get to start Jose Quintana today. Quintana has been lights out so far as a Brewer, recording a 1.14 ERA and WHIP in his first four starts. He hasn’t given up more than one run in any of his starts this season. That may be a feat hard to replicate against the formidable Cubs offense, but Quintana should (at the very least) pitch better than the Alexander/Priester duo did last night.
On the mound for Chicago is Jameson Taillon, who has pitched well this season after a disastrous first outing. In his last appearance (a 3-1 loss to the Phillies), Taillon went seven innings and gave up just one run.
Manager Pat Murphy has decided to switch things up at the top of the order after two straight blowout losses. Brice Turang, who has hit leadoff most of the year, will bat second. Jackson Chourio, who has mostly hit second, will lead off.
Chourio’s been hitless in each of the last three games, so this may be Murphy trying to simplify his approach at the plate. Hitting leadoff will hopefully force Chourio (who has walked just twice this season) to be more selective and focus on getting on base.
Turang has actually had a higher OPS+ (116 to Chourio’s 103) and OBP (.370 to .269) so far this season. He’s been one of the Brewers’ best hitters, so this move could also be seen as a vote of confidence in Turang.
Isaac Collins, who reached base twice yesterday, will hit seventh and start in left field. Joey Ortiz and Caleb Durbin will hit eighth and ninth, respectively. Durbin has had a hit in five of his last six games, thus far proving to be a capable option at third base. If Durbin (or the struggling Ortiz) can get on base for the top of the order, the Brewers should be able to snap their two-game scoreless streak.
Tonight’s game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin and the Brewers Radio Network. First pitch is at 6:10 p.m.
Full lineups for both teams are below: