NEWSLETTER
Tonight in Baltimore, the Chicago Cubs are kicking off their second half of the season. Hopefully, it’s nothing like the first.
Here’s the first lineup of 2017: Part II
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, DH
- Ian Happ, CF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Addison Russell, SS
At first glance, it’s the kind of lineup that makes you wish the Cubs were in the American League all the time.
Zobrist has just 41 plate appearances while batting left-handed in the lead-off spot this season, but he is slashing .250/.341/.528 with a 125 wRC+ in those select plate appearances. He comes in 6-for-11 in with four walks in 16 plate appearances against Orioles starer Kevin Gausman, who is allowing left-handed batters to hit .298 with a .364 wOBA.
And what do you know, the Cubs have five lefties (including Schwarber as the designated hitter) in the lineup tonight. Here’s hoping they take advantage of their opportunities.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (6:05 CT).
