NEWSLETTER
Well, today’s game has been pushed back an hour, but the lineup is here. So take a look at the squad for the Cubs’ home opener.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Ben Zobrist, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Tyler Chatwood, P
I was wondering when we’d see this particular lineup.
With Anthony Rizzo still out (lower back) and Ben Zobrist’s bat hotter than ever, it’s Zobrist covering first base and batting third today, with the rest of the “regular” lineup in there as usual (as opposed to Victor Caratini at first, like we’ve see a lot lately).
I think Zobrist is more than capable of handling first base – being positionally versatile is sorta his thing – but it’s worth pointing out that …
The last time Zobrist started at first base was Sept. 23, 2010, against the Yankees. He made nine starts there that season. #Cubs
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) April 9, 2018
That means Ian Happ in center and leading off, Willson Contreras and Kyle Schwarber as the thump in the middle, and Addison Russell, Jason Heyward, and Javy Baez rounding out the end as the defensive specialists with offensive upside.
The opposing starter, Ivan Nova, is a tad worse against lefties (.341 wOBA) than righties (.327 wOBA) for his career, but clearly both types have gotten to him over the years. Let’s see if Ian Happ can get back on track and the Cubs can make it three wins in a row.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (2:20 CT).
