The Cubs dropped the opener against the Nationals yesterday, but they’ll try again tonight with John Lackey on the mound.
Here’s the lineup that will look to get it done.
Chicago Cubs Lineup vs. Washington Nationals (Gio Gonzalez):
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Kris Bryant, LF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Javy Baez, 3B
- Addison Russell, SS
- David Ross, C
- John Lackey, P
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That’s a pretty straightforward group, as far as I can tell, in the wake of Jorge Soler’s absence. In fact, the Cubs lineup hasn’t really been as varied as I think we all may have expected coming into the season. Kris Bryant bounces out to left field and Javy Baez covers third base. Luckily, Baez has been heating up – like a lot – lately (.333/.353/.667 in June), so hopefully he can keep it going tonight.
David Ross gets a start behind the plate, although he’s cooled off considerably since his hot start to the year. Since the beginning of the last Nationals series, he’s slashing just .222/.306/.389. Still he provides plenty of value in many other ways, and Gonzalez is a pretty split neutral character (.302 wOBA vs. righties; .299 wOBA vs. lefties) for his career.
We’ll have a full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time.