The Cubs are back in action after a brief off-day yesterday, and they’ve got almost all the regulars in there today, with a few notable exceptions.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Javy Baez, SS
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Kyle Hendricks, P
After injuring his left middle finger on a swing over the weekend, Addison Russell is out of the lineup tonight. There was always a chance he was going to get today off – even if he felt mostly fine – because combined with the off-day yesterday, he’ll now get two days of rest in a row (something Joe Maddon likes to do anyway). Hopefully, we hear just that later today and we’ll see him back in action tomorrow.
In his place, Javy Baez covers shortstop as Ben Zobrist slides in at second base and leads off.
The other notable absence today is Ian Happ. With Jason Heyward riding a hot streak, Joe Maddon was not about to take him out of the lineup (or out of the spot he’s been hottest, I suppose), so he bats in arguably the most important spot of the order in a lineup full of mashers. Make it count.
Also in the outfield is Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr. The Cubs already had a playing time “issue” when Jason Heyward wasn’t hitting. But now that he is, it’s only going to be tougher to get time for everyone.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:05 CT).