The Chicago Cubs will try to win their sixth straight tonight, and they’re breaking out something special to pull it off.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kyle Hendricks, P
With Albert Almora and Javy Baez (#AlMago) getting the night off, and with Anthony Rizzo scuffling, Joe Maddon decides to get really creative and get The Greatest Leadoff Hitter of All-Time back in there atop the order. You NO DOUBT recall that Anthony Rizzo scorched last summer when he was given the leadoff job – partly for fun – for about a week. Leadoff dingers and hits and walks were everywhere, so I have no doubt Rizzo will do the same tonight, and also steal five bases for good measure.
As for the rest of the lineup, it looks odd, right? Well, you’ve got some guys getting rest, with a day game after a night game coming tomorrow. Jon Gray, who starts for the Rockies tonight, is mostly split-neutral, so it’s a good game to just kinda put in whoever and not worry about the platoons. Meanwhile, it’s lefty Tyler Anderson – and his traditional splits – going tomorrow, so it makes sense to rest guys like Almora, Baez, and Contreras tonight.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (7:05 CT).