The Chicago Cubs enter Saturday night’s matchup with the New York Mets on a three-game losing streak. The Cubs have a 22-17 record and are two games up on the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the NL Central.
Chicago lost the last two of its three-game series against the San Francisco Giants earlier in the week at Wrigley Field. The Cubs lost Friday night’s matchup 7-2 to the Mets in front of 41,243 fans at Citi Field.
Chicago manager Craig Counsell had delayed naming a starting pitcher for Saturday’s matchup until his postgame presser on Friday night. The Cubs were unsure who would replace Shota Imanaga, on the 15-day injured list for a mild hamstring strain, earlier in the week.
Chicago Cubs name Brade Keller the starter over Cade Horton
Despite calling up rookie Cade Horton before the series, Counsell named right-handed relief pitcher Brad Keller as the starter for Saturday night. Horton will be active, but the Cubs plan to treat Saturday like a bullpen game.
Keller has appeared in 15 games for the Cubs this season. He’s posted a 3.78 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 16.2 innings pitched. The right-handed pitcher has made no starts this season.
Horton posted a 1.24 ERA in six appearances in Iowa.
Cubs accused by fans of punting on series
Fans on social media felt like Counsell was punting on Saturday’s game by making it a bullpen game and being cautious with Horton.
“So you’re saying don’t tune in. Got it,” wrote a fan.
“Yeah we are getting swept. This team sucks every May,” posted another.
“sooo they dont care about winning tomorrow. Cooool,” argued a fan.
“Ok, L and check back Sunday. Thanks for the day off,” believes a poster.
“And there goes the series,” wrote a fan.
“Swept . Injuries are mounting up. Bats won’t be able to out hit NYM,” argued another.
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