A couple weeks back, the Cubs headed to Cincinnati, following a series loss to the Marlins and a series sweep to the Cardinals.
The Reds promptly washed that bad taste out of our collective mouth, though, with three straight loses to the Cubs. Hopefully, they can do that again.
Chicago Cubs Lineup vs. Cincinnati Reds (Cody Reed)
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Kris Bryant, LF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Jeimer Candelario, 3B
- Kyle Hendricks, P
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
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What an unexpected lineup. Well, perhaps not now with the rash of outfield injuries, but if you’re telling me you expected this lineup on the Fourth of July back in April, I wouldn’t have believed you. Most shockingly, we find Javy Baez leading off for the Cubs, after earning it over the past month. As Brett wrote in the Series Preview, Baez has slashed .306/.342/.537 since May 27 (114 PAs) with excellent defense all across the infield (and we know the outfield is a possibility). Watching him slowly turn into the player many had hoped for has been a real treat.
Willson Contreras is in the lineup once again, and this time he’s behind the plate. That’s eleven straight starts by my count, at three different positions overall (left field, catcher, first base). Watching the Cubs (and I’m sure Joe Maddon is as involved as anyone) turn their stars into multi-positional talents has been unbelievable. Guys like Ben Zobrist, Javy Baez, Kris Bryant, Jason Heyward and now Willson Contreras can add so much more value to their team through flexibility and defensive prowess at multiple positions.
Jason Heyward has moved down in the lineup, but with a lefty on the mound, I’m not so sure it’ll be permanent. We’ll have to wait and see.
We’ll have a full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time.