May 2, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Dan Straily (67) pitches during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Dan Straily will make his debut for the Chicago Cubs after going 3-3 with a 3.00 ERA in seven starts at Iowa. Straily was part of the Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel deal with the Oakland Athletics, and had been fairly productive last season as a starter before hitting a rough patch.
The New York Mets (58-65) will counter with veteran Jon Niese (6-8, 3.46). In his five starts since coming off the DL, Niese has struggled a bit, although he is coming off a strong start against the Phillies in which he went seven innings, allowing only two runs. Niese has been much better at Citi Field, posting a 2.89 ERA at home, while carrying a 3.83 on the road.
Starlin Castro will look to stay hot, as he enters with a 14-game hitting streak. In that span he’s batting .421 (24-for-57). He’s carried nine streaks of 10 or more games, including two 14-game streaks, which is his career best.
The game is a 6:10 pm CT start at Citi Field, and will be carried on WGN and broadcast on WGN 720 AM.
Here’s a look at the starting lineups:
8/16 @Cubs lineup vs NYM
— MLB Replays (@MLBReplays) August 16, 2014
Coghlan LF
Baez 2B
Rizzo 1B
Castro SS
Ruggiano RF
Alcantara CF
Castillo C
Valaika 3B
Straily P
8/16 @Mets lineup vs. CHC
— MLB Replays (@MLBReplays) August 16, 2014
Granderson RF
Murphy 2B
Wright 3B
Duda 1B
d'Arnaud C
den Dekker LF
Lagares CF
Flores SS
Niese P