The Cubs will try to split this two-gamer by winning tonight, and here’s the crew that’ll try to do it (and also to hit the International Space Station).
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Javier Baez, 2B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Jon Lester, P
Facing freshly-called-up righty Adam Plutko, the Cubs will go with an old, familiar face in the leadoff spot: it’s Ian Happ, who is hot as all get out. Will we find that much of his more patient, better-organized approach down in the order was somehow tied to his batting order position? Or will we find that he simply figured some things out, and is going to look much better this time atop the order? Or, since it’s just one game, will we not learn anything definitive at all? Yeah, it’s probably that one.
Kyle Schwarber also gets a spot right up there at the top, as Plutko will be facing a ton of pop right out of the gate. Good luck, kid. Well, I mean, not actually.
I’d tell you that Plutko’s splits suggest he gets crushed by lefties, but all we’ve got is the one start he made earlier this year against the Blue Jays, so there’s not a ton of utility there. I’d imagine the Cubs have closely reviewed his minor league splits, however.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (7:05 CT).