The Cubs kept the good times rolling yesterday, and now they have a chance to win yet another series today. Here’s how they’ll look when they try.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Ian Happ, CF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jon Lester, P
After missing almost five full days thanks to a finger injury, Addison Russell got into the game as a defensive replacement last night and is getting his first start since June 3, today. Javy Baez then, who was covering short for Russell in his absence, gets a day off from the lineup entirely. He’s earned it.
With a vacancy at second base, Ben Zobrist hops into the lineup, but because the second greatest leadoff hitter of all time, Kris Bryant, is getting a second crack at the top (he did go 3-4 last night), Zobrist slides down to third in the batting order. In between the two, Jason Heyward continues to bat second, where he continues to have unparalleled (in his Cubs career) success. He notched yet another multi-hit game yesterday and has a solid matchup advantage against the righty Nick Kingham today. Nothing would make me happier than to see him continue to hit, so let’s hope he gets after it again.
Beyond that, it’s Ian Happ’s turn back in center. And after his brilliant defensive game last night, you won’t hear any arguments from me – especially because Kingham has been pretty brutal on righties this year, so Happ may have a better chance than Almora. Kyle Schwarber rounds out the outfield, Jon Lester is on the bump, and Willson Contreras is behind the plate.
If the Cubs win this one, that’ll be five straight series victories. And as usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (1:20 CT).