Probable pitchers and starting lineups for Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs, May 22

The Atlanta Braves played a hard-fought opening series with the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night that went to extra innings. Unfortunately, it was the Cubs who came out on top by a score of 4-3.

The Braves got homers from Orlando Arcia and Michael Harris II, but the offense also went 0-14 with RISP. Yesterday’s brutal loss dropped Atlanta to 4-6 in its last ten games and narrowed its deficit to the Phillies in six NL East games. It’s still way too early to hit the panic button, but we’re on par with the fans in terms of frustration level.

Max Fried (3-2, 3.81 ERA) takes the mound looking to bounce back from his last shaky outing against the Padres. Fried has good numbers against the Cubs during his career, owning a 5-0 record and a 1.24 ERA in five appearances. Hopefully Fried can extend these good results tonight.

Justin Steele (0-1, 5.21 ERA) is trying to find himself in 2024 after starting his season with an injury on the opening day. Steele has made three starts since coming off the IL and has allowed ten earned runs over 14.1 IP. Steele finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting last year and among the best in baseball when he’s right.