UPDATE: The Cubs roster move has now been announced. Victor Caratini is indeed heading to Triple-A Iowa, to make room for Rene Rivera.
Having already banked two wins over the weekend, the Cubs cannot lose this series against the Blue Jays. That’s awesome. Given that we’re also in store for an extra long episode of ‘Game of Thrones’ later tonight, I’m a pretty happy camper.
Here’s the lineup for today’s contest:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Tommy La Stella, 3B
- Rene Rivera, C
- Jon Jay, RF
- Kyle Hendricks, P
Blue Jays righty Marco Estrada has always had reverse splits (meaning fellow righties hit him better than lefties for his career), but that problem has been exacerbated here in 2017. Indeed, through 139.2 IP this season, righties have put up a .368 wOBA against Estrada, while lefties have put up just a .312 wOBA.
Even still, Joe has loaded the lineup with a bunch of lefties, including Kyle Schwarber, Ben Zobrist (switch-hitter), Anthony Rizzo, Tommy La Stella (covering for Kris Bryant), and Jon Jay.
Among the righties, you’ll find Albert Almora Jr. leading off, Javy Baez batting fifth, and brand spankin’ new Cubs catcher Rene Rivera batting seventh. The Cubs claimed Rivera off waivers from the Mets yesterday, and they are apparently not wasting any time getting him into the lineup.
I haven’t yet seen a corresponding move, but that’s likely coming soon and in the form of sending Victor Caratini back to Triple-A Iowa (for now). We’ll let you know as soon as that happens.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (1:20 CT).