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Alec Mills, on tossing seven shutout innings in W over the Royals:
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) August 4, 2020
"That was a team that got rid of me a couple years ago. I understand the business. My job is to make it hurt whenever I face them again. It took four years for it to happen, but I'm glad it did."
This was just over a year ago when the Royals went up against Alec Mills and the Cubs. For those who do not remember the trade that went down on February 8, 2017. The Royals traded pitcher Alec Mills for Donnie Dewees.
Looking back, the Cubs clearly have “won” the trade. When Mills was a Royal he only made three appearances with a 13.50 ERA. Since that trade, the right-hander has pitched four seasons with Chicago, making 51 appearances (29 starts) with a 4.00 ERA.
This year, Mills is 5-5 with a 4.19 ERA.
Two years later in 2019, Dewees was traded back to the Cubs organization and is currently with their Double-A affiliate.
So, this leads us to today where Mills gets his second shot at his former club. A tough task is ahead of him however as the Royals are going for the series sweep.
On the mound for the Royals is emerging young arm Carlos Hernandez who has had a very promising second half of the season. Since joining the starting rotation following the All-Star break, Hernandez has made 6 starts and has a 3.86 ERA in 30.1 IP.
The Royals have had a phenomenal week and hope to end it with a win over a depleted Cubs lineup.
Good news for Royals fans as Salvador Perez is back in the lineup after leaving Friday night’s game early. Newly engaged Nicky Lopez is back in the two-hole hoping to stay hot.
First pitch from Wrigley Field is 1:20 CDT.
Carlos Hernández heads to the mound as we look to complete a sweep on the North Side.#TogetherRoyal pic.twitter.com/5WzpIm29zq
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 22, 2021
Here is today's #Cubs starting lineup. pic.twitter.com/qojFosF2dC
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 22, 2021