Chicago Cubs Lineup (8/9/26): Boyd Bump Day for Series

The Cubs and Royals split the first two games, with the former using two pitchers who had never suited up for them before. Now Craig Counsell‘s crew will try to win the series behind their de facto ace in what could be something like a preview of a playoff series. Matthew Boyd has been excellent since returning from a knee injury.

Despite yesterday’s results, the Royals don’t have a very potent offense and their power output on the season is paltry. The same holds true when they face lefties, so Boyd has an advantageous matchup in this one. He might want to consider treading lightly against Jac Caglianone, though.

Pete Crow-Armstrong serves as the DH today, followed by Michael Busch at second, Alex Bregman at third, and Ian Happ in left. Michael Conforto patrols right, Nico Hoerner is at second, and Dansby Swanson is at short. Miguel Amaya is behind the plate and Tyrone Taylor takes center.

They’re facing righty Randy Dobnak, who was acquired from the Mariners in June for cash after spending most of the last three seasons in the minors. He only appeared in one big league game with the Twins last year, then was traded to the Twins and later signed by Seattle without appearing for either MLB squad.

The 31-year-old has a 1.16 ERA over six appearances this season, and even his two relief appearances went at least four innings. There’s a boatload of good fortune involved there, with a 4.22 ERA and .227 BABIP that tell us he’s due for some major correction. That goes double for his anemic strikeout rate and robust walk rate, products of a very heavy arsenal that he tends to spray around.

Dobnak keep the ball down in the zone, way down, throwing from a low slot with a sinker/sweeper/changeup mix that prevents hitters from barreling the ball. He sits low 90s with the hard stuff, but having sub-6-foot extension means it plays down. There’s very limited previous experience between Dobnak and these Cubs hitters, so there’s not much use breaking that down.

The same goes for his overall game, as this is the kind of pitcher the Cubs should be salivating over. That said, we could see another of those frustrating efforts where everything is beaten into the ground for rally-killing double plays. There is absolutely no excuse for losing this game.

First pitch is at 1:10pm CT on Marquee and The Score.