Chicago Cubs Lineup (9/19/26): Battle of Lefties in Must-Win Game

I just got off the road after heading back from my son’s recruit camp and it’s only about 30 minutes from first pitch, so this is only being done for posterity. Plus, I made about 4 typos just trying to get the headline set, so there’s no use in me trying to add much. Simply put, the Cubs cannot afford to lose this game. Doing so could mean falling into the third Wild Card spot after losing five games in the standings to the Padres over the last 10 games played.

Matthew Boyd needs to pitch like the ace he wants to be, and the bats can’t go quiet against lefty Nick Lodolo. The Cincy southpaw has been on the IL twice with blister issues on his index finger, something that has come up over the two previous seasons as well. Maybe he and Edward Cabrera can trade notes. Lodolo has not been good when healthy, as his 5.12 ERA is more than half a run better than his 5.76 FIP.

He doesn’t strike out many batters, his walk rate is in the 35th percentile, and he gives up tons of barrels. Lodolo has given up 102 hits in under 97 innings, with 19 of those leaving the yard. That said, he held the Cubs to just two runs over five innings back in July. Time for some get-right.

Gametime is 5:40pm CT on Marquee and The Score.