Despite the frustrating loss yesterday afternoon, the Cubs now have a chance to leave Cincinnati having won three of four.
Here’s their lineup for the finale.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ian Happ, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Javy Baez, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Yu Darvish, P
Cubs Manager Joe Maddon loves playing the hot hand and there’s none hotter than Ian Happ right now. So, with the righty, Tyler Mahle, pitching for the Reds today and Kris Bryant getting the day off, it’s Ian Happ at third base this afternoon.
This’ll be the second time Happ’s played third base this season, but just his first start there of the year (and the fourth of his career). If he keeps up what he’s been doing lately, the Cubs will be just fine.
Bryant isn’t the only regular getting the day off, as Addison Russell moves off short in favor of Javy Baez. Baez has struggled a bit lately and Mahle is absolutely brutal against right-handers, so this’ll be a tough matchup for him (ditto Albert Almora). But because of that, you can almost guarantee Javy’s gonna go off.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (12:10 CT).