NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Cubs have been playing .500 ball lately, but they have a chance to turn things around starting today in Cincinnati. Here’s the Cubs lineup for game 1 against Sonny Gray and the Reds.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Addison Russell, 2B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Cole Hamels, P
If you’re trying to remember if Sonny Gray is a righty or a lefty, the lineup would be no clue, as Joe Maddon has deployed his “versus lefties” lineup tonight (i.e. Addison Russell at 2B and Albert Almora Jr. in center field) against the righty. HOWEVA, he’s not without his reasons.
Versus lefties: .200/.259/.315 (.246 wOBA)
Versus righties: .265/.351/.411 (.329 wOBA)
For whatever reason, Gray has been much tougher on lefties than righties, so Carlos Gonzalez and Daniel Descalso take a seat. I don’t know why you wouldn’t start David Bote, who’s actually hitting righties quite well this season (121 wRC+), but Maddon seems intent on giving Russell more opportunities than he probably deserves (based solely on his on-field product) and Bote not enough.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:10 CT).
