The Chicago Cubs are in Milwaukee this weekend, playing their first series against the Milwaukee Brewers of the 2025 season.
Much like the St. Louis Cardinals were the team the Cubs had to overcome during their climb to relevancy during their World Series run in 2016, the Brewers have run the National League Central for much of the past decade. The Cubs thought they were ready to step over the Brewers last season, with the help of Craig Counsell, but Milwaukee proved once again to be the best team in the division.
Entering this weekend’s series, the Cubs have backed up the expectation of being the best team in the division this season. The Cubs, with a record of 19-13, have a three-game lead in the National League Central over the Cincinnati Reds. Meanwhile, the Brewers are in third place with a record of 16-16.
If the Cubs want to prove that they are legitimate, this weekend would go a long way toward accomplishing that goal. The Brewers, meanwhile, seem to be afraid of the hitters at the top of the Cubs’ lineup.
Reports out of Milwaukee ahead of Friday’s game are that the Brewers will turn to an opener against the Cubs on Friday night.
The Milwaukee Brewers are already terrified of the Cubs’ starting lineup
Tyler Alexander will be the opener for the Brewers against the Cubs on Friday before giving way to scheduled starter Quinn Priester. Alexander, a left-handed pitcher, is likely being used by the Brewers to get through the first plate appearances against Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki.
Of the three, Tucker is the only one with less-than-favorable splits against left-handed starting pitchers. Still, Tucker is carrying a 139 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers this season. Given that the Cubs will also likely have Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch in their starting lineup, Alexander will likely be used for the first time through the Cubs’ lineup.
If anything, the sudden change by the Brewers is an example of how the Cubs’ offense is viewed this season. Tucker’s arrival hasn’t just given the Cubs an impact bat at the top of their lineup, it’s unlocked Suzuki to be more aggressive with his offensive approach. If anything, it’s another reason why the Cubs should extend Tucker.
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