The Chicago Cubs were embarrassed in their opener Tuesday against the Twins, and scored just one run. The lopsided loss by seven runs was their worst loss since June 22nd. Expect the Cubs bats to be ready in a favorable matchup against David Festa. Dansby Swanson has a hit every game in July, and a hit in 12 out of his last 13 games. He clears his total bases tonight.
Into last night's clash at Target Field, Craig Counsell's surging Cubs had won five of six to pull clear in the NL Central. There have also been some positive recent signs from rookie starter Cade Horton, such as his most-recent start last Thursday vs. the Guardians, allowing no runs and just five hits thru 7 IP. Meanwhile, Twins counterpart David Festa continues to perform erratically, as his 7.28 ERA in six starts since the beginning of June would suggest. Play Cubs on the Money Line.
Bradley (9-6) took the loss against the A's on Tuesday after allowing four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out 11 over 6.2 innings.
Happ went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Diamondbacks.
Webb (6-4) allowed two runs on one hit and one walk without recording a strikeout in one inning, taking the loss and a blown save in Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Diamondbacks.
Holmes allowed two hits and two walks while striking out five over seven scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.
Buxton was removed from Tuesday's game against the Athletics with an apparent injury, Audra Martin of Twins.tv reports.
Kelly is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks.
Wynns and the Cubs agreed on a minor-league contract Tuesday.
Kelly went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Monday's 7-0 win over Arizona.
Miller was sent outright to Triple-A Iowa on Monday.
Ryan (glute) will throw a live bullpen session of one inning Wednesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.
