The Cubs got off to a nice start against the Bucs, yesterday, and have a chance to win the series behind one of their best starters, Jake Arrieta, tonight.
Here’s the lineup that’ll try:
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Tommy La Stella, 2B
- Alex Avila, C
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Javy Baez, SS
- Jake Arrieta, P
With Mr. Kuhl on the mound for the Pirates tonight, Joe Maddon has once again crammed a ton of lefties into the batting order. But this time, Kyle Schwarber and Ben Zobrist made it into the order instead of Jon Jay and Ian Happ.
But perhaps more notably, Jason Heyward is making the previously rare move out to center field, like he did on Sunday, and Tommy La Stella remains in the starting lineup. Maddon clearly likes to ride the hot bats, and right now La Stella has one (154 wRC+ for the season).
And he should be set up for even more success tonight, as Chad Kuhl has been far tougher on righties (.301 wOBA) than lefties (.367 wOBA) this season, and for his career in general. Once again, the only non-pitcher righties he’ll get to face are Kris Bryant and Javy Baez. This could be another fun game.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (7:05 CT).