NEWSLETTER
The Cubs have a second chance at clinching the division tonight in St. Louis (and probably on their own terms too, as the Brewers start after them).
Here’s the lineup that’ll try:
- Jon Jay, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Rene Rivera, C
- John Lackey, P
Interestingly, Rene Rivera, not Alex Avila, is drawing the start against Michael Wacha and the Cardinals this evening. To be sure, Wacha is a reverse split guy, so perhaps that (combined with a desire to rest Willson Contreras before the playoffs) explains why it’s Rivera, not the lefty Avila, in there behind the plate.
Similarly, it’s Jon Jay leading off tonight, but remember, he too has reverse splits, so the quality of his matchup against Wacha is probably not as good as it looks at first glance.
Lastly, it’s good to see Javy Baez right back in the starting lineup tonight, after fouling one off his leg a couple days ago. He’ll probably start a majority of the postseason games this October, so his health is of the utmost importance.
Let’s see if the Cubs can finally clinch tonight. And, as usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (6:08 CT).
