Chicago Cubs and Marlins Preview: Pitching, Matchups and More

The Chicago Cubs begin a three-game series with the Miami Marlins on Friday. Here is everything you need to know for the matchup!

Kade Kistner | Apr 27, 2023

Chicago Cubs and Marlins Preview: Pitching, Matchups and More /

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The Chicago Cubs will embark on a three-game series over the weekend against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park.

The Cubs are riding high after taking a series from the National League West's San Diego Padres during the week.

Chicago will try and maintain their momentum as they head into a showdown with the struggling Marlins.

Here are the matchups for every game and a prediction for the series.

Friday, April 28 at 5:40 p.m. CT

Marcus Stroman (2-2, 2.17 ERA) vs. Jesus Luzardo (2-1, 3.62 ERA)

Cubs ace Marcus Stroman is coming off his worst start of a spectacular 2023 MLB season against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He will look to get back on track against a floundering Marlins lineup.

On paper, this is a great matchup for Chicago and their offense, which has been firing on all cylinders.

Saturday, April 29 at 3:05 p.m. CT

Cubs Starter TBD vs. Edward Cabrera (1-2, 4.91)

While a starter hasn't been named yet, Caleb Kilian is likely to make a spot start on Saturday in the absence of Jameson Taillon.

Kilian hasn't pitched since April 19, so anything can happen here, but he is lined up well.

Javier Assad can't be called back up just yet and Adrian Simpson is on the injured list. So you've got Kilian.

This will be an interesting one that leans in the favor of the Marlins.

Sunday, April 30 at 11:05 a.m. CT

Justin Steele (4-0, 1.19 ERA) vs. Bryan Hoeing (0-1, 9.82 ERA)

You got to love morning baseball! And hopefully Justin Steele does too. But at this point he is throwing the ball so well it probably doesn't matter what time of day he will take the mound.

Hoeing has made one start of 3.2 innings and he gave up four earned runs. This should be a fun one for Chicago and could spell a complete game. These are the types of matchups the Cubs have been feasting on this season.

Prediction: The Cubs take the series 2-1 by winning the Friday and Sunday games. Saturday will be tough with Kilian getting the start and it feels like Miami gets one back.

But watch out as the Cubs should dominate the rubber match Sunday.

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Published Apr 27, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.