Cubs Series Preview: Cubs @ Giants

Date: June 24-27, 2024
Upcoming Series: Cubs vs. Giants
Location: Oracle Park, San Francisco

Pitching Matchups

The Cubs and Giants have yet to announce their starters for all 4 games so the projected starters are listed and marked as Unconfirmed.

Game 1: Monday, June 24, 8:45 PM CDT

• Cubs Pitcher: Justin Steele (LHP, 0-3, 3.16 ERA, 56 SO)

• Giants Pitcher: Unconfirmed Erik Miller (LHP 2-2, 4.11 ERA, 40 SO)

Game 2: Tuesday, June 25, 8:45 PM CDT

• Cubs Pitcher: Kyle Hendricks (RHP, 1-4, 7.46 ERA, 39 SO)

• Giants Pitcher: Unconfirmed Carson Whisenhunt (LHP, MLB Debut)

Game 3: Wednesday, June 26, 8:45 PM CDT

• Cubs Pitcher: Unconfirmed Shota Imanaga (LHP, 7-2, 2.96 ERA, 81 SO)

• Giants Pitcher: Unconfirmed Mason Black (RHP, 0-1, 8.79 ERA, 10 SO)

Game 4: Thursday, June 27, 2:45 PM CDT

• Cubs Pitcher: Unconfirmed Jameson Taillon (RHP, 4-3, 2.90 ERA, 53 SO)

• Giants Pitcher: Jordan Hicks (RHP, 4-4, 3.24 ERA, 69 SO)

Series Overview:

• Current Cubs Record: 37-41

• Current Giants Record: 36-42

• Previous Matchups: The Cubs recently faced the Giants in early May, where they split a four-game series 2-2 at Wrigley Field.

Hitter to Watch on the Cubs: Michael Busch

Why They’re Important: In the last 6 games, Busch has 6 hits in 18 ABs with 3 walks, 3 doubles, and 4 runs scored. He has emerged from his slump in May to become one of the Cubs' more reliable bats, showing great plate discipline and power.

Hitter to Watch Giants: Patrick Bailey

Why They’re Dangerous: Bailey has been on fire recently with 8 hits in 21 ABs, including 2 home runs and 6 singles, boasting an impressive .381 average. His ability to deliver in clutch situations makes him a key threat for the Cubs.

Injury Updates

Cubs:

• Yency Almonte (Shoulder): Expected to be out until at least July 2

• Mike Tauchman (Groin): Expected to be out until at least July 19

• Mark Leiter (Forearm): Expected to be out until at least July 9

• Adbert Alzolay (Forearm): Expected to be out until at least July 19

• Julian Merryweather (Ribs): Expected to be out until at least July 19

• Caleb Kilian (Shoulder): Expected to be out until at least July 19

• Jordan Wicks (Oblique): Expected to be out until at least July 12

• Ben Brown (Neck): Expected to be out until at least June 30

Giants:

• Alex Cobb (Hip): Expected to be out until at least July 22

• Robbie Ray (Elbow): Expected to be out until at least July 19

• Blake Snell (Groin): Expected to be out until at least July 4

• Tom Murphy (Knee): Expected to be out until at least July 4

• Mike Yastrzemski (Oblique): Expected to be out until at least July 2

• LaMonte Wade (Hamstring): Expected to be out until at least June 28

• Tristan Beck (Arm): Expected to be out until at least July 19

• Keaton Winn (Elbow): Expected to be out until at least July 6

• Austin Warren (Elbow): Expected to be out until at least June 28

• Ethan Small (Oblique): Expected to be out until at least July 19

• Kyle Harrison (Ankle): Expected to be out until at least July 6

• Jung Hoo Lee (Shoulder): Out for the season

Superfan Series Prediction:

• Predicted Outcome: May be more of a dream!

  • Game 1: Cubs Win - Cubs 4, Giants 3
    Justin Steele finally gets his first win of the season with a solid outing, and Michael Busch drives in the game-winning run.

  • Game 2: Cubs Win - Cubs 6, Giants 4
    Kyle Hendricks bounces back from his rough start, and the Cubs' offense provides ample support with a couple of timely home runs.

  • Game 3: Cubs Loss - Cubs 2, Giants 5
    The Cubs struggle with their pitching depth, and the Giants' lineup takes advantage. Patrick Bailey has a big game.

  • Game 4: Cubs Win - Cubs 3, Giants 2
    In a close game, the Cubs' bullpen holds on for a narrow victory, with Nico Hoerner making a spectacular defensive play to save the game.

Superfan Notes:

What Excites You About This Series: 

I'm thrilled to see Cody Bellinger heating up, as he's 4 for his last 11 at-bats. His resurgence at the plate could be crucial for the Cubs' offense. Additionally, Christopher Morel has been on fire with 2 home runs in his last 3 games and 4 hits in 12 at-bats. Both of these guys stepping up adds a lot of excitement heading into the series against the Giants.

Concerns Going In:

Hitting: The inconsistency in the Cubs' lineup is a major concern. It's been all or nothing with the bats. While it was great to see the Cubs score 8 runs on Saturday, they only managed 3 runs in their losses on the bookends of the Mets series. Ian Happ's recent hot streak has cooled off, as he went 1 for 11 over the weekend against the Mets. We need more consistency from our hitters to support our efforts.

Pitching: The bullpen needs to start throwing more strikes. In the last two weeks, Hayden Wesneski is walking 11.12 players per 9 innings, Hector Neris is at 9.82 BB/9, and Keegan Thompson is at 8.31 BB/9. Porter Hodge and Luke Little have also struggled with control. This lack of control has been hurting our chances in close games and is something that needs immediate improvement.