The Chicago Cubs have lost five games in a row and in 10 of their last 11 games the offense hasn't scored more than three runs. It has been the worst offensive stretch in the Joe Maddon era and for Monday night's series opener against the Miami Marlins he has given Anthony Rizzo the game off.
Victor Caratini is starting at first base, while Kyle Schwarber and Jason Heyward are also sitting. Albert Almora Jr. is back at the leadoff spot, while Ben Zobrist, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez follow in the lineup order.
And before you think this series against the Marlins will be a cure for the struggling Cubs, know that Miami has actually won four series in a row. Also, Jarlin Garcia is starting tonight and he has a 1.09 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in 33 innings. He's only allowed four earned runs in six games and that includes six shutout innings against the Cubs back in March, when he only gave up one hit and two walks. The Cubs offense looks terrible right now, as the hitting with runners in scoring position has been awful, the walks are way down and the power numbers haven't been good either. Facing Garcia should mean the struggles continue, but baseball is stupid, so the Cubs are totally going to score 10 runs tonight. Right? Maybe? Please? At least four runs.
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