Marlins vs. Cubs: Start time, how to watch, game thread and Fish Picks—April 15, 2019

Thanks for joining us for Monday’s Marlins (4-12) vs. Cubs (5-9) game thread.

Throughout the 2019 season, Fish Stripes is your home for daily Fish Picks prop bets. I posted the full introduction toward the end of Spring Training. The monthly points leader for March/April, May, June, etc. wins Fish Stripes merchandise prizes. (Do you know of any South Florida businesses who might want to sponsor additional Fish Picks prizes? Details here.)

The Fish Picks leaderboard will update daily to let you know where you stand.

Cubs Lineup

1. 2B Ben Zobrist
2. LF Kris Bryant
3. 1B Anthony Rizzo
4. SS Javier Báez
5. RF Jason Heyward
6. C Willson Contreras
7. 3B David Bote
8. CF Albert Almora Jr.
9. P Yu Darvish

Notes: You think the Wei-Yin Chen contract is a disaster? Yu Darvish has nearly $100 million owed to him through the 2023 season, which is problematic when you can’t stay healthy or throw strikes. Once among MLB’s elite starters, Darvish owns a 5.54 ERA and equally troublesome 5.52 FIP in 52.0 IP since signing with the Cubs. He has earned a grand total of one win in those two years...Speaking of contracts, Jason Heyward is trying to salvage his eight-year, $184 million guarantee by swinging an excellent bat during these opening weeks (.375/.460/.700 in 50 PA).

Marlins Lineup

1. LF Curtis Granderson
2. 3B Brian Anderson
3. 2B Starlin Castro
4. 1B Neil Walker
5. SS Miguel Rojas
6. RF Austin Dean
7. C Chad Wallach
8. CF Lewis Brinson
9. P Trevor Richards

Notes: Jorge Alfaro tweaked a chest muscle Saturday night while sliding into second base. After resting during Sunday’s 14-inning marathon, he remains sidelined for this one...It’s somewhat surprising how sparingly Martín Prado has played despite performing as the Marlins’ best hitter so far. Seems to be in a strict platoon (starting only against left-handers).

Marlins Communications

How to watch/listen/follow

The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET. Watch on FOX Sports Florida and via MLB.TV or listen on 940 WINZ.

Monday’s credentialed Fish Stripes writer is Alex Contreras (@TheRealACoN).

Fish Picks

Please comment below or tweet to @fishstripes with your picks for the following props. The contest locks at first pitch.

1. Who scores first? (Cubs/Marlins)
2. Over/Under 42.5 pitches in the first inning? (Over/Under)
3. Over/Under 2:58 time of game? (Over/Under)
4. Will Starlin Castro reach base safely? (Yes/No)
5. Who wins? (Cubs/Marlins)