We’ve got a two-gamer on tap today, and here’s how the Cubs will look in the first one.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Ian Happ, RF
- Kyle Hendricks, P
The starter for the Reds in game 1, Luis Castillo, is a righty with traditional lefty/righty splits, so the start and leadoff job for Albert Almora this afternoon should make his fans happy. I’m guessing will see Ben Zobrist lead off against the righty in game 2, but it’s still good to see Almora there.
Similarly, with two games to play today, the back-up catcher, Victor Caratini, gets the start in the first one, with Willson Contreras waiting around for game 2. Jason Heyward is also still out of the starting lineup after returning from the concussion disabled list yesterday.
After a big game yesterday (and with Contreras out), Addison Russell gets the nod at cleanup, where he’ll look to keep the good times rolling. A real, sustainable offensive breakout for Russell would mean the world to this team (both this season and in the future), so let’s hope he gets things going.
It’s always hard to sweep both halves of a double-header, but you have to win the first one to even have a shot. So … let’s go Cubs. As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (12:10 CT).