Since we wrote up Jason Heyward’s peripherals three days ago, the Cubs right fielder has collected eight hits, including a double, a walk, and two RBI, so Joe Maddon has put him right back in there at the top of the order.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Chris Gimenez, C
- Tyler Chatwood, P
Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that Zach Wheeler has allowed more damage against left-handers (.337 wOBA) than right-handers (.324 wOBA) this season with even stronger splits for his career:
Versus Lefties: .260/.358/.419 (.342 wOBA)
Versus Righties: .243/.316/.363 wOBA (.302 wOBA)
Despite those numbers, though, Albert Almora jumps back into the lineup in center field while Ben Zobrist takes over left. All of these guys will be fine against Wheeler, but I must say, I would’ve loved to see Kyle Schwarber and Ian Happ in there too (perhaps even moving Zobrist to second base and giving Baez the night off to accommodate). When everyone is hitting and they all do well against right-handers, it’s very difficult to make a lineup that’ll make everyone happy.
The other very notable lineup quirk tonight is Chris Gimenez behind the plate. Although Willson Contreras needs the night off every now and then anyway, Luis pointed out that it could have something to do with Gimenez’s superior framing skills, with Tyler Chatwood on the mound. Chatwood is not “one good framer” away from having no command issues, but it certainly couldn’t hurt.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (6:10 CT)