Shane McClanahan, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, leads the Tampa Bay Rays (39-17) into Wrigley Field on Tuesday as they face off against the Chicago Cubs (23-30). The Cubs took Monday’s series opener 1-0.
Starter Marcus Stroman threw a complete game shutout. He gave up only one hit, striking out eight and walking one en route to the win. Seiya Suzuki went 1 for 3 with one run in the win over the Rays.
ON THE MOUND
McClanahan (8-0, 1.97 ERA) is in line for the start for Tampa Bay. The southpaw is tied for the MLB lead in wins. He also ranks second in the AL in ERA. McClanahan allowed one run over seven innings in his last start, a 7-3 home win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday.
He got the win, yielding four hits while striking out seven. McClanahan is making his first appearance against the Cubs this season. McClanahan made one start against the Cubs in 2022, a 4-2 road loss on April 18.
He surrendered two runs on four hits over six innings, striking out nine. For Chicago, right-hander Kyle Hendricks (0-1, 6.23 ERA) gets the ball.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rays. Hendricks made one start against the Rays in 2022, throwing 4.1 innings in a 4-2 home win on April 18.
He gave up five hits and walked two, while striking out six in the no-decision. In his last start on Thursday, Hendricks took the loss at home against the Mets. He threw 4.1 innings and gave up five runs (3 ER) on six hits, striking out five and walking two in the 10-1 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Tampa Bay has averaged 6.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 6.0. Against righties like Hendricks this season, the Rays have an .823 OPS, highest in MLB.
Isaac Paredes is the team’s biggest slugger against right-handers with a .516 SLG in 132 at-bats. Chicago is averaging only 2.4 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.6 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.181/.266/.265).
The Cubs have an .813 OPS against left-handers in 2023, fourth highest in MLB. With a .987 OPS over 51 at-bats, Cody Bellinger has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Tampa Bay is on a three-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 13-11 in 2023. The Rays have scored 6.0 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.1 runs.
Chicago has gone 14-15 at home this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. The teams have split their last 10 games at Wrigley Field, though Chicago has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.8-3.6.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rays lead the AL East by four games over the Orioles. The Cubs are fifth in the NL Central, five games behind the Brewers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
TB Rays (-190)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
