Game Thread: Nova returns as Pirates try to salvage even one game at Wrigley

As Ivan Nova is reinstated from the disabled list for finger discomfort, yesterday’s hard luck starter Nick Kingham has been returned, yet again, to Triple-A as he’s the one with options.

In other moves, catcher Jacob Stallings has been recalled and Adam Frazier sent down in the event Francisco Cervelli isn’t able to play after being struck in the head with a back swing yesterday, which forced him from the game. Frazier may not actually leave the team, because if the decision is made to disable Cervelli Frazier can be immediately added back to the roster. Stallings is batting 294/333/399 in 162 PAs with Triple-A Indianapolis this year after 301/358/431 in 243 PAs last year. Over those two seasons he’s thrown out 26 of 72 runners attempting to steal.

Nova threw eight shutout innings on April 26 against the Tigers which had lowered his ERA to 3.32, but in the five subsequent starts he totaled only 23 ²⁄₃ innings with a 7.61 ERA and .381 BABIP. After this last start on May 24 it was announced that he’d been battling a sprained finger. Th Cubs will counter with right-hander Kyle Hendricks, making his third appearance of the year against the Pirates in thirteen starts.

Josh Harrison has returned from his one day absence to attend to personal matters. Starling Marte is not in the starting lineup, with Corey Dickerson sliding up to the third spot and Colin Moran to cleanup.

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PIRATES

1 R Josh Harrison 2B

2 L Austin Meadows CF

3 L Corey Dickerson LF

4 L Colin Moran 3B

5 R Elias Diaz C

6 S Josh Bell 1B

7 L Gregory Polanco RF

8 R Jordy Mercer SS

9 R Ivan Nova RHP

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CUBS

1 R Javy Baez 2B

2 L Jason heyward RF

3 R Kris Bryant 3B

4 L Anthony Rizzo 1B

5 S CF Ian Happ

6 L Kyle Schwarber LF

7 R Addison Russell SS

8 R Chris Gimenez C

9 R Kyle Hendricks RHP