"It's getting to the point now where I really need to start focusing on the Cubs," Capuano said Wednesday, after yet another radio spot. "On Thursday I'm not going to think about the All-Star Game or talk about it. No more interviews, at least until after the game."
Capuano, the Brewers' leader in wins, strikeouts and innings pitched, will make his final start before the All-Star break when the Brewers and Cubs meet in the opener of a four-game series. Chicago will counter with veteran Greg Maddux.
Fans can continue to vote for Capuano until 5 p.m. CT exclusively at MLB.com, and balloting will decide a 32nd and final roster spots for the National and American League teams that will meet in the 77th All-Star Game on July 11 in Pittsburgh. In two starts against the Cubs this season, both at Wrigley Field, Capuano is 2-0 and has not allowed a run in 17 innings. He tossed a five-hit shutout on April 30, then worked eight scoreless innings on June 26 but had to leave after being struck in the forearm by a line drive in the ninth.
The sore forearm may have contributed to Capuano's struggles in his last start, when he surrendered six runs and 11 hits to the Twins in four innings of work. It was just the second non-"quality" start of Capuano's season.
Capuano and the Brewers beat Maddux on June 26, scoring five runs off the legendary right-hander and sending Maddux to just his fourth loss in 22 career starts against the Brewers.
Pitching matchup
MIL: LHP Chris Capuano (9-4, 3.45 ERA)
Capuano struggled with his control at Minnesota, throwing 95 pitches in just four innings.
CHC: RHP Greg Maddux (7-8, 5.00 ERA)
Maddux has not won in his last four starts, and needs one win to tie Eddie Plank for 12th on the all-time list at 326 career wins.
Player to watch
Geoff Jenkins snapped his homerless streak at 142 at-bats on Wednesday, and he traditionally has feasted on Maddux. Jenkins is a career .432 hitter (19-for-44) against Maddux.