• Javier Assad was filthy when he came into the game in the seventh inning. The righty faced the minimum and struck out two batters. Then, David Ross stuck with him to begin the eighth and Assad just couldn’t find the strike zone anymore. After a leadoff single, Assad walked the next batter who was trying to put down a sacrifice bunt and with two runners on Jesse Winker hit a slow ground ball that got through the infield to tie the game at one.
• No issue with Assad going back out for the eighth inning. His multi-inning outings in the World Baseball Classic and increased fastball velocity are why he’s in the bullpen. He simply didn’t do his job on Saturday. Assad was pulled, leaving runners on second and third with one out.
• Michael Fulmer came in, walked Willy Adames, but then struck out Christian Yelich. With two outs, William Contreras blooped a two-run single to right field.

• Michael Rucker came in to get the final out in the eighth.
• These soft base hits are frustrating, but it also goes to show why having relievers who miss bats and have high strikeout rates are coveted around the league. The Cubs just don’t have many of those pitchers in this bullpen.
• Miles Mastrobuoni came in as a defensive replacement in right field and well…his inexperience in the outfield showed up at the worst time because what ended up being the game-winning hit for the Brewers probably is caught from a good right fielder.

• Not that Seiya Suzuki had a great defensive year in 2022, but I’d be willing to bet that he gets that one if he was on the field. Suzuki is still in Arizona and will soon get in-game at-bats in extended spring training. I don’t want him to be rushed back, but also, PLEASE COME BACK HEALTH AND ASAP!

Dansby Swanson Stays Hot

Dansby Swanson is proving that spring training results really do not matter for veteran hitters. He had five hits in 41 at-bats during spring training and through the first couple of regular season games, Swanson is 6-for-8, recording three hits in both games. Oh and the defense has been as good as advertised.

First Cubs Home Run

Ian Happ hit the first Cubs home run of the regular season, which ended up being the only run against the Brewers in the loss.

Not much offense has been coming from anyone else besides Swanson and Happ through the first two games.

Justin Steele Follows Marcus Stroman’s Footsteps

Marcus Stroman was excellent on Opening Day, pitching six shutout innings with eight strikeouts and Justin Steele matched him on Saturday. Steele got off to a shaky start, walking the first batter he faced on four straight balls, but he was great afterward, ending with six shutout innings, eight strikeouts, allowing just three hits and that lone walk.

Jameson Taillon will start Sunday’s series finale for the Cubs.