The Cubs have a shot to win the Cross Town Cup for the first time in years (they lost back in 2014 and split in each of the last two seasons, if my memory serves me).
Here’s the group that’ll give it a go:
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, DH
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Jon Jay, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
After a really hot start to the second half, Jason Heyward got a couple of chances to lead off (Monday and last night). Unfortunately, the lead off role wasn’t for him (0-11), and he’s slid back down in the lineup. Before that stretch, however, he was hitting .313/.365/.500 in July, so don’t get down on him yet.
In any case, he slides down to sixth, as the heating-up Ben Zobrist re-takes the lead off role and hits in front of Bryzzo+Contreras (the Cubs most typical 2-4 lately). Hopefully, despite the day off, Contreras stays hot as well.
Kyle Schwarber is today’s designated hitter, as expected, and each of Ian Happ and Javy Baez get the night off. We have more on Baez’s recent cold stretch coming out soon, so keep an eye out for that.
And finally, with the lefty Brent Suter Mike Pelfrey on the mound for the White Sox, Albert Almora makes his way into the lineup in center field.*
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin closer to game time (7:10). And remember, you’ll find Brett, Luis, and yours truly at the Nisei Lounge in Wrigleyville, where Brett is guest bartending for charity during the game!
*I had a marginal brain fart and was thinking ahead to tomorrow’s game against the Brewers. Mike Pelfrey, the righty, is starting tonight and Almora gets the start anyway.