Tonight, the Chicago Cubs are beginning a new three-game set against the Padres in San Diego. And here’s the lineup for Game 1.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Javy Baez, 3B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Addison Russell, SS
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Ian Happ, LF
- Tyler Chatwood, P
Tonight’s opposing starter, Clayton Richard, should be a familiar face for Cubs fans and a welcomed one for the righties in the lineup. For his career, the lefty, Richard, has allowed a .352 wOBA versus righties and a .278 wOBA versus left-handers. Those splits aren’t quite as dramatic this season, but the trend remains nonetheless.
And with that in mind, you won’t be surprised to find … Anthony Rizzo at the top of the batting order? Well, that’s fun. As you all know, Rizzo is the greatest lead off hitter of all time, and because of his recent struggles offensively, no doubt, Joe Maddon is giving him a chance to reassert that title. You can pretty much book him for a huge game, despite Richard’s splits, because, well, I said “greatest of all time” didn’t I?
Behind him you’ll find Albert Almora Jr., who is actually hitting lefties and righties equally well this season (give or take some peripherals), but that’s something we’ll have to explore another time (he still looks much better against southpaws, regardless). Kris Bryant is still in there at third base and Javy Baez is batting cleanup.
Instead of Jason Heyward and Kyle Schwarber tonight (likely because of the lefty), Ben Zobrist and Ian Happ are your other two outfielders. Willson Contreras is behind the plate and Tyler Chatwood is on the mound.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (9:10)