NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Cubs are a win away from sealing up their first series victory in their past three tries.
Here’s the lineup that’ll go for it:
- Jon Jay, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ian Happ, 2B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, SS
- Jose Quintana, P
The top four of the lineup aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and I think that’s just swell. You already know that story though (Jon Jay has reverse splits and a high OBP, Bryzzo is Byzzo, and Willson Contreras is setting the world on fire), so let’s move on.
Because the notable change from last night’s lineup is the swap of Ian Happ and Ben Zobrist at second base. Both guys are switch-hitters who offer average-ish defense at second base, and tonight, the younger one gets the start.
Behind him, however, is Albert Almora, who is still a must-start in every game against a lefty the rest of the season. After all, he went 2-4 against Matt Moore yesterday, and is now hitting .338/.424/.514 (146 wRC+) in 85 plate appearances against southpaws this season. And that is, of course, not to mention his Gold-Glove caliber glove in center. With another lefty on the mound tomorrow (Madison Bumgarner), I suspect we may see three straight Almora starts.
Heyward, Baez, and Quintana round out the bottom of the order. And, as usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (which is scheduled to begin some time after 1:30 am CT, I believe).
