Today, the Chicago Cubs have a chance to win their first series of the year. And given the consecutive extra-inning affairs, I wouldn’t mind if it was a nice, easy … utter-blowout.
Here’s their lineup for Game #4:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Jose Quintana, P
With a lefty on the mound for the Marlins today, it’s no shock to see Albert Almora back in the lineup and in center field, as well as Javy Baez back in there at second base (especially because neither player started yesterday).
Indeed, the Cubs platooning strategies are playing out as expected in the early season, but the multiple extra-inning games, where everyone’s getting involved, is negating the added rest these players are supposed to receive as a side bonus to better overall matchups. Oh well. They’re young.
Willson Contreras is also getting a well-deserved breather in this one, in favor of the back-up, switch-hitting Victor Caratini. With that move, Addison Russell moves into thee clean-up spot and everyone settles in around him.
Starting the year off 3-1 would be great by me. Let’s go get it done, Cubs.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (12:10 CT).