After a huge comeback yesterday, the Cubs have a chance to win their series against the Reds today. Here’s their lineup in the finale.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Ian Happ, 3B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jon Lester, P
Not a day will go by that I’m not amazed the Cubs can produce a lineup this attractive without Kris Bryant in it and still have a switch-hitting utility player on the bench with a 124 wRC+ (Ben Zobrist). This might be the deepest Cubs roster of our lifetime and it makes stretches like this (i.e. ones without the team’s MVP), that much easier to work through.
In Bryant’s place today, Ian Happ is covering third base, as he continues to flex a little positional flexibility to get into the lineup anyway he can. And while he didn’t perform particularly well yesterday (3Ks), that doesn’t mean his hot streak is over. Today’s opposing starter, Luis Castillo, has pretty significant splits favoring left-handers (.370 wOBA against) and Happ hits better as a lefty (.363 wOBA). Let’s see if he can make up for yesterday.
The outfield is comprised of Kyle Schwarber in left, Albert Almora in center, and Jason Heyward in right. The two lefties have the better matchup, as we’ve discussed, but Almora usually finds a way to record a hit or two before the day is over, so don’t sleep on him. Javy Baez and Addison Russell are back up the middle and Willson Contreras is behind the plate.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (1:20 CT).