Cubs Lineup: Russell Gets a Day Off, Baez in at Short

The Cubs dropped their third series of the year to the Brewers on Thursday, and as a reward they get to face the Giants this weekend.

The Giants have won eight in a row, but I think it’s time for that streak to end. Let’s see what Joe Maddon has in mind to jump start a Cubs offense that has been a little quiet over the past few days.

Chicago Cubs Lineup v. San Francisco Giants (Jake Peavy):

1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Jason Heyward, RF
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Ben Zobrist, 2B
6. Jorge Soler, LF
7. Miguel Montero, C
8. Javy Baez, SS
9. Jake Arrieta, P

Addison Russell gets a breather tonight against the Giants and Javy Baez fills in for him at short. It’s in this particular instance that I truly value the Cubs positional depth. The Cubs can rest one fantastic defensive shortstop (who’s no slouch with the bat) and immediately replace him with another fantastic shortstop (who’s also not to shabby at the plate).

Other than that, everything is pretty regular. Fowler leads off, Rizzo bats cleanup and Miguel Montero catches Arrieta. Let’s see if the Cubs can start the weekend right.

We’ll have a full Pre-Gamin’ up closer to game time.