Chicago Cubs probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. Atlanta Braves, May 23

Houston Astros v Chicago Cubs
Houston Astros v Chicago Cubs / Jamie Sabau/GettyImages

The Chicago Cubs' 9-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night was more confirmation that both the Jose Cuas and Nick Madrigal experiments should be over.

Cuas has struggled this season, and recent injuries to Keegan Thompson, Adbert Alzolay, and Daniel Palencia have brought the former Kansas City Royals relief pitcher back to the Major League level. The result on Wednesday was very similar to the struggles that Cuas had to begin the season as he was tagged with 4 runs on 3 hits and 1 walk in 1.2 innings pitched.

Once the Cubs' pitching staff gets healthy, there is no reason for Cuas to be given another opportunity at the Major League level. Cuas' struggles this season remind us that if Jed Hoyer does address the bullpen need through a trade this season, it needs to be for an established reliever and not the type of move Cuas was at the Trade Deadline last season.

Madrigal's time with the Cubs continues to be a failure, Madrigal had a fielding error on Wednesday while going 0-for-3 with one strikeout. On the season, Madrigal's line is down to .213/.276/.250.

Probable starting pitchers

  • Ben Brown will start for the Cubs on a bullpen day against the Atlanta Braves. This was formerly Kyle Hendricks' spot in the rotation, and it will likely be turned over to Jordan Wicks once he returns from the IL.
  • Right-handed starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver will start for the Braves. He will make his 2024 season debut after posting an ERA of 4.26 in 6 appearances last season.

Chicago Cubs starting lineup, May 23

Atlanta Braves starting lineup, May 23

What channel is the Chicago Cubs game on today?

  • Game Time: 1:20 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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