NEWSLETTER
Today’s matchup between the Nationals and Cubs is a pretty big one, as both teams are divisional leaders trying to avoid their second consecutive series loss.
And while the Nationals’ lead in the East is far larger than the Cubs’ lead in the Central, these two teams would still face each other in the NLDS if the season ended today.
On the mound for the Cubs is the veteran left-hander Jon Lester, and here’s the lineup that’ll stand behind him:
- Jon Jay, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Ian Happ, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, SS
- Jon Lester, P
The top of the Cubs order is beginning to look very familiar, as Jon Jay once again leads off and plays center field. Considering his .320/.433/.380 second-half slash line, I don’t think you’ll find many who take issue with it.
Behind Jay, as usual, is the new three-headed monster of Bryant, Rizzo, and Contreras (Bryzzeras), covering the infield corners and the spot behind the plate. With the young righty Erick Fedde on the mound, Kyle Schwarber (LF), Ian Happ (2B), and Jason Heyward each get a start, while Ben Zobrist grabs some bench.
Javy Baez is in there for the injured Addison Russell, and, as usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (1:20 CT).
