Where to Watch
Probable Pitchers
Lineups
Chicago Cubs
| # | Player | Pos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pete Crow-Armstrong | CF |
| 2 | Nico Hoerner | 2B |
| 3 | Seiya Suzuki | DH |
| 4 | Michael Busch | 1B |
| 5 | Alex Bregman | 3B |
| 6 | Ian Happ | LF |
| 7 | Matt Shaw | RF |
| 8 | Miguel Amaya | C |
| 9 | Dansby Swanson | SS |
Preview
The Chicago Cubs host the Toronto Blue Jays at Wrigley Field on Saturday, June 20, with first pitch set for 2:20 PM ET. Colin Rea gets the ball for Chicago against Toronto's Patrick Corbin in what shapes up as a winnable afternoon for the North Siders. With the ivy green and the bleachers packed for a summer Saturday, this is exactly the kind of home date the Cubs need to bank a win. Every game matters as the regular season rolls on, and a favorable pitching matchup against a left-hander in Corbin makes this one circled on the calendar.
Cubs vs. Blue Jays Starting Pitchers: Colin Rea vs. Patrick Corbin
Colin Rea draws the assignment for the Cubs and steps into a situation where he can take command early. Rea has shown the ability to work efficiently through lineups and eat innings, which is exactly what a weekend afternoon start at Wrigley demands. The Cubs need him to establish his fastball, limit walks, and keep Toronto's bats off-balance through at least five or six frames.
Patrick Corbin gets the nod for the Blue Jays. The veteran left-hander has had a career defined by peaks and valleys, and a Cubs lineup loaded with right-handed bats has the potential to make him work. Corbin relies heavily on his slider and can be effective when he's locating it down in the zone — but when he leaves it up, hitters punish him. Chicago's order is built to do exactly that.
Chicago Cubs Starting Lineup for June 20
- 1. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
- 2. Nico Hoerner, 2B
- 3. Seiya Suzuki, DH
- 4. Michael Busch, 1B
- 5. Alex Bregman, 3B
- 6. Ian Happ, LF
- 7. Matt Shaw, RF
- 8. Miguel Amaya, C
- 9. Dansby Swanson, SS
Keys to Watch for the Chicago Cubs
Pete Crow-Armstrong Sets the Tone
PCA leading off is a matchup worth watching against a left-hander. Crow-Armstrong's speed and athleticism at the top of the order can immediately put pressure on Corbin, who doesn't have elite velocity to work with. If PCA gets on base early, this Cubs offense can do real damage in a hurry.
Alex Bregman in the Middle of the Order
Bregman hitting fifth gives the Cubs a genuine threat with runners on base. His plate discipline and power against left-handed pitching makes him one of the most dangerous bats in this lineup in this particular matchup. Expect Toronto to try to work around him in critical situations.
Seiya Suzuki as the Lineup's Anchor
Suzuki in the three-hole is a clear signal that the Cubs want production from the heart of their order. He has the bat speed and approach to punish Corbin if the veteran leaves his slider over the plate. A big day from Suzuki could blow this one open early.
Rea's Pitch Count and the Bullpen
The Cubs bullpen's workload is always a factor, and Rea's ability to go deep into the game will determine how much Chicago can protect any lead it builds. If Rea can get through six innings efficiently, the Cubs are in good shape to close this one out.
Prediction: Cubs Win at Wrigley Field
The Cubs have the lineup edge in this matchup, and Corbin is a pitcher Chicago's right-handed bats should be able to get to. If Rea is sharp early and the Cubs manufacture some runs in the middle innings, Wrigley should be celebrating by the final out. Cubs win, 5-3.
Catch the game on Marquee Sports Network on TV or 104.3 The Score on the radio.