Gosh – it was so weird having Willson Contreras lead off for the Cubs yesterday, wasn’t it? Good thing we’re going back to a “normal” leadoff hitter today, in Anthony Rizzo. (You can feel the sarcasm, right?)
Here’s the Cubs lineup for Game 2 against the Nats:
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Tommy La Stella, 2B
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kris Bryant, RF
- Miguel Montero, C
- Jon Jay, LF
- Javy Baez, SS
- Jake Arrieta, P
- Jeimer Candelario, 3B
The Cubs aren’t shaking things up too much tonight, but there are some notable substitutions. First and foremost, the Cubs are clearly trying to keep their righties away from the ridiculously tough on righties (and just about everyone else) Max Scherzer. Somehow, he’s got a .168 wOBA v. righties this season (which, lulz).
The Cubs, in response, have loaded the lineup with six lefties (/switch hitters). That means Tommy La Stella is playing second base and Miguel Montero is catching, while switch hitters Ian Happ and Jeimer Candelario take center and third base.
By my eye, this is definitely the Cubs smartest lineup for tonight’s game. Let’s see if it works, because this is one tough matchup.
As usual, we’ll have a full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (6:05 CT).