Clayton Richard set to make Cubs debut on Independence Day

On the day the United States of American celebrates its Independence, Joe Maddon will send newly acquired starting pitcher, Clayton Richard to the mound as the Chicago Cubs continue their weekend series with the Miami Marlins.

While the Cubs (42-36) prepare themselves to take the field, Carrie Muskat has reported that Richard is, in fact, the 2000th player to appear in a game for the North Sider’s. Now that’s a lot of players when you think of all the greats that have proudly worn this uniform throughout the years despite winning a World Series title.

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That will all change soon as this team continues to make a push for that goal.

Richard (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is a native of the Midwest as he was born in Lafayette, Indiana – which is only two hours away from the city in which he represents for the second time in his big league career.

He made his Major League debut with the Chicago White Sox back in 2008, finishing with a 2-5 record, 32 earned runs, 29/13 K/BB ratio, 1.55 WHIP and 6.04 ERA across 47 2/3 frames during his rookie campaign. The 31-year-old southpaw spent two seasons with the South Siders before landing with the San Diego Padres where he stayed up until 2013.

Shortly after his days on the West Coast came to an end, Richard landed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks last July only to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates over the winter.

Starting opposite Richard will be 25-year-old right-hander, Jarred Cosart. Cosart (1-3, 4.12 ERA) has picked up two losses and two no-decisions over his last four appearances for the Marlins (35-46) – who managed to escape Wrigley Field with a one-run victory in the series opener yesterday afternoon.

He was recently activated from the disabled list after missing a month due to vertigo. On June 26 in a relief role, Cosart allowed just two earned runs on six hits while issuing three walks and recording three strikeouts against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

First pitch for tonight’s contest is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. central time and will air live on FOX, WBBM 780.

Here’s a look at tonight’s starting lineup’s for both clubs:

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