The Cubs won a fun one against the Padres last night and they can do the same thing tonight with this group.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell. SS
- Victor Caratini, C
- Kyle Hendricks, P
Although the only important name in the lineup might wind up being the guy batting ninth tonight, he’s going to need a lot more run support than he got his last time out. Fortunately, this particular Cubs batting order has the greatest leadoff hitter of all-time, Anthony Rizzo, settled in at the top.
After flirting with an 0-20 streak, Rizzo broke out with three hits including two doubles against the Padres last night, when Joe Maddon penciled him back into the leadoff spot. And with two games left before the All-Star break and a slightly-more-serious-than-we’re-probably-willing-to-admit-belief-in-superstitions, that’s right where Maddon is keeping him tonight.
To preserve a nice lefty-righty balance, Kris Bryant bats behind Rizzo, followed by Jason Heyward and Javy Baez. And then things get different.
With the righty Luis Perdomo on the mound (.361 wOBA v. lefties for his career, .398 wOBA in 2018), Maddon is giving Albert Almora the night off in favor of the switch-hitting Ian Happ. Naturally, Kyle Schwarber starts out in left and then switch-hitting Victor Caratini grabs a start behind the plate.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (9:10 CT).