Cubs at Mets
The revolving door that is the New York Mets’ bullpen came through last time out, but it will be tested again during a four-game series against the visiting Chicago Cubs that begins Thursday. The Cubs have averaged nearly six runs over their last 21 contests and have won five of their last seven on the road.
The Mets won for just the third time in 10 games Wednesday, posting a 4-1 victory in Atlanta as four relievers combined for four innings of one-run ball. New York made several roster moves before the contest to reinforce its beleaguered bullpen, which could be taxed again with Seth Lugo stepping out of his relief role to start on short rest in the series opener against the Cubs. After an inconsistent start to the season, Chicago's offense has come to life in May, though it squandered plenty of opportunities in Wednesday's 2-1 loss at Pittsburgh. Anthony Rizzo has heated up to contribute largely to the resurgence, hitting .299 with seven homers and 28 RBIs this month after batting .149 with only blast and nine RBIs in March and April combined.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jose Quintana (5-4, 4.78 ERA) vs. Mets RH Seth Lugo (1-1, 2.48)
Quintana has failed to get through five innings in three of his last five starts, issuing 15 walks over 26 innings in that span. The 29-year-old was pulled after 4 1/3 frames last time out, allowing four runs and five hits in a loss to San Francisco. Quintana is 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA in two career starts against New York.
Lugo has been a valuable member of the Mets’ bullpen but will make a spot start after 20 appearances in relief. The 28-year-old worked 17 consecutive scoreless innings before allowing three runs in his last outing Monday at Atlanta. Lugo is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in three career games (one start) against the Cubs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs RF Jason Heyward is 6-for-8 over his last two games, raising his batting average from .222 to .256.
2. Mets CF Brandon Nimmo has recorded eight extra-base hits and six RBIs over his last nine contests.
3. The Cubs on Wednesday placed Carl Edwards Jr. (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled fellow RHP Cory Mazzoni from Triple-A Iowa.