The Washington Nationals play host to the Chicago Cubs in the second game of their series from Nationals Park on Tuesday night. Both teams have struggled not only this season but for much of the last two seasons, though this remains an interesting matchup. Heading into this week, this is the second series between the two teams on the season, with the Cubs taking two of three less than a week ago. The Nationals have been one of baseball's worst teams over the last few weeks, while the Cubs have slowly turned things around and could be riding some momentum into this one.
The Cubs spent much of the first half of the season sitting in the basement of the NL Central, though have turned things on slightly more since the All-Star break. Over the last week, they've gone 6-4, while also adding in taking two of three games against Washington just last week. Momentum isn't likely to do much for this group, but also can't hurt as they take on baseball's worst team. The Cubs haven't been great on the road themselves this season and adding in the travel from the Field of Dreams game leading into a week on the road, to now this mid-week set, it could be a challenge.
Injuries, especially to the pitching staff, have hurt the Cubs quite a bit this season. Jason Heyward (knee) remains out, as does Michael Hermosillo (quadricep), though those are the only two position players out. When it comes to that pitching staff, as mentioned earlier, being down three relievers seems the bigger concern of late, especially given all the games played of late.
Franmil Reyes hammers his first home run in a #Cubs uniform! pic.twitter.com/NiizxtmCA1
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 13, 2022
According to MLB.com, Justin Steele will get the ball as the rangy lefty aims to build off his impressive marks. The record hasn't been overly impressive, coming into this one 4-7, though his 3.63 ERA has turned some heads. He's only allowed more than two runs once across his last seven starts, including a gem of performance the last time out against Washington. Less than a week ago, he went six innings, allowing only two earned runs, as he looks to replicate that.
Chicago's offense has been up and down all season, though they have started to put things together slightly more of late. They rank in the bottom third of baseball in runs scored and strikeouts, but are right around the top half when it comes to average, OPS, and home runs. Nico Hoerner (.302 average) and Patrick Wisdom (21 HRs, 54 RBI) have formed themselves into a nice duo in the middle of the lineup, while Ian Happ's .320 average over the last week gives th em even more products in the lineup. With this lineup trending forward, it could be a challenge for Washington to match.