The Cubs fell a few runs short of picking up their second straight win, but the team gets another shot at picking up a four-game split against the Dodgers this afternoon.
Here is the lineup that will try and get it done:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Addison Russell, SS
- David Bote, 3B
- Ian Happ, RF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Jose Quintana, P
As expected, it’s a right-handed heavy lineup against Clayton Kershaw as he makes his second start since coming off his most recent stint on the disabled list.
Albert Almora Jr. (and his .317/.371/.476 slash in 70 PA vs. left-handed pitching) gets a second consecutive shot at the top of the order again. Javy Baez (.516 slugging percentage) following Almora in the order gives the Cubs a little on-base plus slugging combo against a tough pitcher to hit.
Willson Contreras moves up in the order after his two-hit, four-RBI game against Los Angeles last night. Anthony Rizzo cleans up after taking most of the night off on Wednesday. Rizzo is 7-for-23 with three home runs and five RBI against Kershaw in his career, which comes out to a .304/.385/.783 slash line in 26 PA. Yes, please!
It’s a rare start against a lefty for Kyle Schwarber, who returns to his familiar post in left field. And with Jason Heyward headed to the bench against Kershaw, Ian Happ starts in his fourth different position in this series as he gets the nod in right field.
We’ll have more in the Pre-Gamin’ closer to first pitch (2:10 pm CT).