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Charlie Morton, Braves look to complete sweep of Cubs

Charlie Morton and the Atlanta Braves will try to complete the sweep Wednesday evening when they wrap up a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. The Braves have pitched two straight shutouts to begin the series and have outscored Chicago 9-0. Reynaldo Lopez and the bullpen took care of business Monday and Chris Sale followed that up with another dominant performance Tuesday.

Morton has been overshadowed a bit by the rest of the rotation, but comes into Wednesday’s game pitching well himself. He allowed just one run and struck out seven in seven innings against the Mets in his last start. Over his last four starts combined, Morton has allowed five runs over 26 innings. Morton faced the Cubs once last season and was hit hard allowing four hits, four walks and five runs in 4 ¹⁄₃ innings.

After a nearly month-long slumber, Atlanta’s offense is starting to show some signs of life. The Braves banged out 10 hits in the opener Monday and then added nine more Tuesday. Matt Olson has four hits in the series, including a double and his fifth home run of the season. Olson drove in four of Atlanta’s seven runs in Tuesday’s win. Ozzie Albies also has four hits in the series.

The Cubs’ starter for Wednesday was listed at TBD when the series began, but it will in fact be right-hander Javier Assad who will get the turn. Assad allowed one earned run and struck out four but exited after 4 ¹⁄₃ innings and 89 pitches in his last start against the Pirates. He has allowed two earned runs or less in all eight of his starts this season. Assad made three appearances and one start against the Braves last season and struggled allowing seven hits and five runs in just 6 ²⁄₃ innings.

The Braves played the first two games of the series without third baseman Austin Riley who is sidelined after experiencing soreness in his side Sunday in New York. An MRI exam revealed inflammation and Riley is considered day-to-day. With an off day Thursday, it won’t be surprising to see Riley sit out again Wednesday before possibly returning for this weekend’s series against the Padres. New acquisition Zack Short replaced Riley in New York and then started at third base in the first two games against the Cubs. He’s 2-for-6 at the plate with a double, four walks and four runs scored.

First pitch Wednesday is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. ET and can be seen on Bally Sports South and MLB Network.