Sunday, September 14, 2014

Volquez v Turner, Shook-Up Lineup, Starling, Streak

Edinson Volquez (11-7, 3.36) meets Jacob Turner (5-9, 5.84) in the 2014 Buc-Cub finale.

Eddie has been the one constant in the rotation this year. Even when he struggles, as he did against the Phils in his last outing, he's been effective at limiting the damage and keeping the club in the game. Volquez hasn't given up more than three earned runs in his nine starts since late July.

The Buc righty is 1-1 v the Cubs this year. In two starts, he's gone 13-1/3 IP with 11 hits and two runs (one earned) chalked up against him.

Turner is 23 and essentially the Marlins gave up on him, sending him to the Cubs for a couple of low-level minor league players. His ground ball and walk peripherals are solid and he features a sinking, running fastball that sits at 92-93.

His problem is that he sometimes elevates pitches, especially when behind in the count. He's effective when he stays down in the zone and was a Top 25 prospect going into 2012, so the upside is there even if the consistency isn't. The righty has never gone against the Bucs.

The Lineup: Josh Harrison 3B, Travis Snider LF, Cutch CF, Neil Walker 2B, Russ Martin C, Andrew Lambo 1B, Jordy Mercer SS, Greg Polanco RF and Volquez P. No Starling yet, Russ getting some OT (the Bucs are off tomorrow), and El Coffee & Lambo get a start.

The game starts at 1:35 and will be aired by Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.
  • Bruised: Starling Marte is hoped to return to action Tuesday for the opener of a three-game home series against Boston.
  • Streak On The Line: The Pirates have taken every 2014 series from the Cubs; today will determine the fate of the fianl show down.

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