Chicago Cubs probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. Atlanta Braves, May 21

Milwaukee Brewers v Chicago Cubs
Milwaukee Brewers v Chicago Cubs / Matt Dirksen/GettyImages

News broke on Sunday night that the Chicago Cubs were going to promote infield prospect Luis Vázquez to the Major League level. While it was clear that Matt Shaw wasn't ready for the promotion, Vázquez's getting the promotion raised eyebrows.

This is especially true when you factor in the roster moves that the Cubs made on Monday night, optioning Pete Crow-Armstrong and Miles Mastrobuoni to Triple-A Iowa and activating Dansby Swanson off the IL.

With Swanson returning and Hoerner already ready after missing the past week of games, it seems odd that the Cubs would promote Vázquez considering he is in the middle of an offensive slump at the Triple-A level. Vázquez is hitting under .200 during the month of May with the Iowa Cubs but remains one of the best fielding prospects in the team's system. Given the shortcomings that the Cubs had on defense, on a very broad scope, Vázquez could be a remedy, but it would seem that his playing opportunities will be limited.

Considering the biggest non-bullpen need that the Cubs have is on offense, a case could have been made that Brennen Davis should have gotten the call instead of Vázquez.

Probable starting pitchers

  • Javier Assad will take the mound for the Cubs in their first game against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field. Had it now been for Shota Imanaga, all the attention would be on Assad in the Cubs' rotation given his 1.49 ERA through 9 starts this season.
  • Making the start for the Braves is Charlie Morton. Morton was touched up for 4 runs (3 earned) against the Cubs last week while only lasting 3 innings.

Chicago Cubs starting lineup, May 21

Atlanta Braves starting lineup, May 21

What channel is the Chicago Cubs game on today?

  • Game Time: 6:40 PM CST
  • Marquee Sports Network and the Marquee Sports Network app will have the Cubs broadcast tonight.
  • Braves fans can catch the game on Bally Sports South

How do I stream the Chicago Cubs game today?

How can I listen to the Chicago Cubs game today?

  • The Cubs broadcast will be on WSCR 670 The Score
  • Braves fans can tune in on 680 The Fan

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