Tauchman went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Mets. Tauchman had half of Chicago's hits in the sluggish loss, pushing his season average up to .307 in the process. With Seiya Suzuki (oblique) and Cody Bellinger (ribs) both on the injured list, Tauchman has seen plenty of playing time recently, and the veteran has responded. He should remain a solid short-term fantasy asset, though his long-term outlook is a bit murkier, as it depends on how quickly the other outfielders are able to return to the lineup.
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Tauchman went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Mets. Tauchman had half of Chicago's hits in the sluggish loss, pushing his season average up to .307 in the process. With Seiya Suzuki (oblique) and Cody Bellinger (ribs) both on the injured list, Tauchman has seen plenty of playing time recently, and the veteran has responded. He should remain a solid short-term fantasy asset, though his long-term outlook is a bit murkier, as it depends on how quickly the other outfielders are able to return to the lineup.
Alzolay (1-3) allowed three unearned runs on two hits across an inning of work to take the loss Tuesday against the Mets. Alzolay should have had a 1-2-3 sixth inning, but a Dansby Swanson throwing error gave the Mets life, and they took advantage. A single and a three-run home run by DJ Stewart quickly broke open a 1-1 tie, and New York hung on for the 4-2 win, which saddled Alzolay with his third loss of the season. While it wasn't all his fault Tuesday, it's been a struggle overall for the righty, as he blew four saves in the early going to get yanked from the closer's role. Hector Neris stepped in to replace Alzolay, and it doesn't look like things are going to change anytime soon.
Morel went 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Mets. The steal was his second of the season, and both pilfers have come in his last eight contests. Morel is struggling to get going with his bat however, and through 29 games he's slashing a meager .215/.292/.374 with four homers, 14 RBI and 17 runs.
Assad came away with a no-decision in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Mets, allowing one run on five hits over five innings. He struck out one without walking a batter. The 26-year-old righty didn't allow much hard contact, as all five hits off him were singles, and Assad tossed 55 of 78 pitches for strikes before leaving the mound with the score tied 1-1. He's had an impressive start to his campaign, and Assad will take a 1.97 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 27:9 K:BB through 32 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come at home this weekend against the Brewers.
Crow-Armstrong is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets. This is the first lefty the Cubs have faced since Crow-Armstrong was promoted and he will begin the game on the bench. Mike Tauchman is in center field for Chicago.
Busch is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Mets. Southpaw Sean Manaea is on the hill for the Mets, so the left-handed hitting Busch will take a seat. Patrick Wisdom will occupy first base for the Cubs on Tuesday.
Taillon didn't factor into the decision Monday, allowing one run on four hits and a walk over 7.1 innings. He struck out one. Taillon was able to complete six innings for the first time this season and managed to exceed seven innings in just 78 pitches. Taillon's lone blemish came from the first batter he faced as Brandon Nimmo clubbed a solo home run in the first frame. The veteran righty has yet to yield multiple earned runs through three starts, owning an impressive 1.50 ERA. However, he's only been able to punch out nine batters in his 18.0 innings of work. Taillon is set to close out a two-start week with a matchup against the Brewers on Saturday.
Leiter (1-1) retired the only two batters he faced out of the bullpen to earn the win in Monday's 3-1 victory over the Mets. Starter Jameson Taillon was excellent over 7.1 innings, but the Cubs turned to Leiter to get the last two outs of the eighth. The veteran righty delivered, then scooped up his first win of the year when Christopher Morel hit a go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth. Leiter has been excellent all year, posting a 0.69 ERA and 13 strikeouts across 13 innings. He should continue to work in a setup role ahead of new closer Hector Neris, though he could be next up for saves if Neris falters.
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