Is it just me, or do the Cubs have an unusual number of rubber matches this season? Here’s the lineup for today’s.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Javy Baez, SS
- Jon Lester, P
Against a righty, Ross Stripling, Addison Russell is getting the day off. Stripling has been pretty brutal to batters of any type this season, but he’s been especially tough on right-handers (.242 wOBA), so getting in an extra left-handed bat (via Ben Zobrist) makes some sense.
Indeed with Russell out, Javy Baez slides over to shortstop and the switch-hitting Ben Zobrist moves over to second base. In the outfield, Ian Happ is once again the odd man out, as Kyle Schwarber (LF), Albert Almora (CF), and Jason Heyward (RF) cover all three spots. Which reminds me, Almora is starting a lot lately:
Good morning. What if I told you the #FreeAlmora movement was over? Because #AL⭐️ has been freed. Maybe you haven’t noticed, but guy is on pace for a 520 PA season with 87 runs scored and a 4.2 fWAR.
To put that in perspective, just 7 CFs posted a 4-WAR/500 PA season in 2017.
— Luis M. (@lcm1986) June 20, 2018
Are you happy yet?
In the corners, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo resume their usual roles, but Bryant leads off once again. He’s been leading off a lot lately, but I’m sure it’ll go away as quickly as it arrived. That’s just the nature of Joe Maddon’s lineup choice. For now, I like it. For the season, I rather not.
A win today would feel big and the Cubs certainly have the momentum on their side. Let’s see it and, as usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time.