Make sure you didn’t miss the news: Ben Zobrist is headed to the disabled list (left wrist inflammation) and Tommy La Stella was called up from Triple-A Iowa to take his place.
While the Cubs’ struggles have continued, the bats have started to wake up a little bit.
Perhaps, they can keep that up tonight in their first game of a 17-game stretch without an off day (and just three games at home). Here’s the Cubs squad that’ll be out there tonight against the Pirates.
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ian Happ, 2B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Tommy La Stella, 3B
- Eddie Butler, P
- Albert Almora, Jr., CF
Well that’s quite the lineup isn’t it?
Anthony Rizzo is leading off (still weird), Kris Bryant is not in it at all (can’t play every day, I guess), and the Cubs two through five hitters are all great talents … who’ve struggled mightily on offense in the very recent past. There’s simultaneously so much upside and so much risk from 2-5, but I’m betting it works out. Perhaps today’s the day it all turns around.
Continuing on, Willson Contreras is catching Butler tonight, and Tommy La Stella is in at third base, covering for Bryant. In the meantime, Albert Almora is out in center field, and Eddie Butler’s on the mound. Honestly, absent Bryant and Zobrist, I don’t hate this lineup. Let’s see if it works.
I should point out that the Cubs actually had a different lineup earlier, but scratched all nine starters in favor of what you see above. Here’s what the lineup used to look like, for reference:
What just happened pic.twitter.com/eZXLp7q9Gq
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 16, 2017
I don’t know … I think I like this one better.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ for you closer to game time (6:05 CT).