Cubs and Brewers Pitching Prospects to Duel in Today’s Doubleheader

The Chicago Cubs will kick off the Memorial Day MLB slate with a day-night doubleheader at Wrigley Field to open their four-game series against Milwaukee. The pitching matchup for the opener will feature two pitching prospects making their big-league debuts: Cubs right-hander Matt Swarmer and Brewers lefty Ethan Small.

Pretty cool Memorial Day coming up for two prospects: Brewers lefty Ethan Small will face Cubs righty Matt Swarmer at Wrigley Field in Game 1 of a doubleheader. Both will be making their MLB debuts.

Small was a 26th round pick in 2018 while Swarmer was a 19th round pick in 2016

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) May 29, 2022

The Cubs are revamping their pitching development and minor league system, while the Brewers have excelled at pitching development in recent years. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, Corbin Burnes, came up in the Milwaukee system after being selected in the fourth round of the 2016 draft.

Let’s take a closer look at Monday’s matchup.

Matt Swarmer

Throws: Right
Age: 28
Draft: Selected by Chicago Cubs in 19th round of 2016 amateur draft
2022 AAA Iowa Stats: 3-1; 2.08 ERA; 9.7 K9; 3.00 K/BB

According to Rotowire, fans should expect to see Swarmer in another start if he has a good outing as the Cubs will have another doubleheader on Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Ethan Small

Throws: Left
Age: 25
Draft: Selected by Arizona Diamondbacks in the 26th round of 2018 amateur draft and by Milwaukee Brewers in the 1st round of 2019 amateur draft
2022 AAA Nashville Stats: 3-1; 1.88 ERA; 11.5 K9; 2.33 K/BB

Rotowire notes Small is Milwaukee’s top pitching prospect and could remain with the big-league club as a sixth starter.

The game time for these expected major-league debuts will be at 1:05 PM ET, while Game 2 of the doubleheader will start at 7:40 ET.

Featured Image: Wrigley Field red marquee reading: “Wrigley Field Home of Chicago Cubs” by Felix Lipov / Shutterstock.com.