NEWSLETTER
The Cubs are down by three games in a best of seven NLCS with the Dodgers. Win, and they play Game 5 tomorrow at Wrigley Field. Lose and it’s an early (well that’s relative) vacation.
Here’s the lineup for Game 4:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Addison Russell, SS
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Jon Jay, RF
- Jake Arrieta, P
As we explored earlier, tonight’s Dodger starter, Alex Wood, is not only a tough matchup, he’s also split-neutral this season. Even still, he is a lefty, so the Cubs are going with a variation of their versus lefties lineup.
Specifically, that means Albert Almora Jr. and Jon Jay (a reverse split lefty) are both in the lineup/outfield. Although unlike usual, Almora is leading off and Jay is batting down in the order before the pitcher. Also unusual: Kyle Schwarber is getting a rare postseason start against a lefty. He may be playing left field tonight, but in this case, he’s more so taking the spot of Jason Heyward, who can’t touch lefties, than anything else.
Beyond that everything is mostly business as usual: Javy Baez rejoins Addison Russell up the middle, and Bryzzo take the corners. It’s once again Willson Contreras behind the plate, with Jake Arrieta making what might be his last start ever as a Chicago Cub. Wow.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (8:00 CT).
