Here’s the final lineup from the first-half of the Cubs 2018 season.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Kris Bryant, RF
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- David Bote, 3B
- Jon Lester, P
It took me a minute to understand the lineup today, because not only was Albert Almora Jr. missing, David Bote was up after being recently optioned. As it turns out, Almora had a family medical emergency and was placed on leave. Bote came up in his absence and is starting today at third base. That, in turn, pushed Kris Bryant out to right field and Jason Heyward over to center. Mystery solved.
Eric Lauer, today’s Padres’ starter, actually has reverse splits this season (lefties are hitting him better than righties), but only barely (.371 wOBA v. .360 wOBA). Basically everyone is hitting him and they’re hitting him hard and in the air. But we’ll cover more of that in the Pre-Gamin’ post that’ll come later today. In the meantime, Brett has more on the Almora move and we’ll look forward to the Cubs finishing the first-half strong.