Smyly Exits vs Brewers with Oblique Injury, Espinoza Makes MLB Debut

As Drew Smyly was making his warm-up tosses prior to start the top of the fourth inning on Monday night, he appeared to feel some discomfort. On the Marquee Sports Network broadcast, Boog Sciambi announced that it was right oblique soreness, which forced Smyly to leave the game. It’s unfortunate because Smyly was dealing a no-hitter through three innings. 

Due to the early exit, freshly called-up right-hander Anderson Espinoza entered the game and made his MLB debut. Unfortunately, Espinoza allowed an earned run in his first inning on an RBI double by Rowdy Tellez. The Cubs got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning after an absolute tank job home run to Waveland Ave. by Willson Contreras. 

As of the bottom of the sixth inning on Monday, the Cubs trailed 2-1. After a bit of a tough loss in the doubleheader opener, a win on Monday night would be a good sign for the rest of the homestand.