Cubs at Marlins
The Chicago Cubs were already looking forward to Yu Darvish’s debut with the team Saturday against the Miami Marlins, but they find themselves in a position where they are hoping it lasts a little bit longer. The Cubs will look for a deep outing from their free-agent prize one night after dropping a 2-1 decision to the host Marlins in 17 innings.
Darvish signed a six-year deal with the Cubs in February to bolster what figures to be one of the best rotations in baseball. Chicago has leaned heavily on its bullpen in the first two games, though, as relievers have combined to pitch 16 1/3 innings and did not allow a run until Miguel Rojas’ walk-off single in the 17th in Friday's defeat. Miami’s bullpen worked 11 2/3 scoreless frames Friday, including an inning from Odrisamer Despaigne, who was scheduled to start Saturday and reportedly told manager Don Mattingly he’s still ready to take the ball after picking up the win in relief. The Marlins could make a call to the minors but didn’t immediately rule out sticking with Despaigne, who needed only 11 pitches in a perfect 17th.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Yu Darvish (2017: 10-12, 3.86 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Odrisamer Despaigne (1-0, 0.00)
Darvish is eager to redeem himself after two disastrous outings in the World Series last October. The 31-year-old looked good in the spring, giving the Cubs reason to believe he will be closer to the pitcher who dominated them in the National League Championship Series. Darvish has made two starts against the Marlins with decidedly different results – he recorded his only career shutout against Miami in 2014 but gave up a career-high 10 runs to the Marlins in his last start with the Rangers last July.
Despaigne bounced between the rotation and the bullpen for the Marlins last season, but he has been better as a starter throughout his career. The 30-year-old Cuban is 11-19 with a 4.36 ERA in 42 career starts and was 2-3 with a 4.06 ERA in eight turns through the rotation a year ago. Despaigne faced the Cubs in 2015 and took a tough-luck loss despite allowing two runs over six innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Cubs have hit four home runs through two games – all by different players – while the Marlins have yet to go deep.
2. Marlins OF Garrett Cooper left Friday’s game with a bruised right wrist after being hit by a pitch in the fourth inning and is day-to-day.
3. Miami CF Lewis Brinson was 4-for-8 on Friday, becoming the first Marlins rookie with four hits in a game since J.T. Realmuto in 2015.