NEWSLETTER
After notching arguably the most memorable moment of the year last night, Jason Heyward is out of today’s lineup. He’s been playing a lot lately, and Joe Maddon is giving him – and a number of other regulars – a break.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Tommy La Stella, 2B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Ian Happ, RF
- Chris Gimenez, C
- Tyler Chatwood, P
Along with Heyward getting the day off, the lineup is also notably without Ben Zobrist, Willson Contreras, and Addison Russell.
Working backwards, Russell is clearly still hurting and it’s beginning to become equal parts worrisome and frustrating. I tend not to think that he’s seriously injured, but why won’t the Cubs use the 10-Day DL more liberally than they have? It seems like a pretty big missed opportunity for an extra player this series. Indeed, had they put him on the DL on Monday, he’d nearly be half-way done with his ten days and the Cubs would have an additional bat on the bench (or arm in the bullpen for a Tyler Chatwood start). I suppose the optimist would guess that he’ll be back this weekend, but if he isn’t starting tomorrow, this was probably a bit of a (tiny) misstep.
Cubs catcher Willson Contreras is not starting in today’s day-game, which makes sense coming after last night’s night-game, but I think there’s more to it than that. The last time Tyler Chatwood started, he also threw to Chris Gimenez, who is a more successful pitch framer and receiver than Contreras. Chatwood only tossed 4 walks in that one, so perhaps the Cubs are hoping Gimenez can continue to have a calming effect on the Cubs wildest pitcher – at least, in the near-term (because I don’t think Chatwood will get a long-term “personal catcher.”)
As for Zobrist, he’s likely just getting the day off, as he does from time to time. The Phillies’ starter, Nick Pivetta, is worse against lefties than righties anyway, so getting Tommy La Stella a start at second today, while Russell is out, makes as much sense as ever.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (1:20 CT).
