NEWSLETTER
The Cubs have a chance to salvage a four-game series this afternoon, and here’s how they’ll line up.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ian Happ, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Tyler Chatwood, P
- David Bote, 2B
A couple of recent trends continue today, including the pitcher batting eighth so that a position player can bat “ahead” of leadoff man Anthony Rizzo. I liked the move when Joe Maddon started doing it and I like it today.
Relatedly, that man batting ahead of Rizzo is David Bote, covering second base for Javy Baez, as he heals up from getting spiked in the knee on Tuesday. Bote just took the roster spot of Kris Bryant, by the way, who hit the DL with left shoulder inflammation for the second time this season earlier this morning. In Bryant’s place on the field, you’ll find Ian Happ, who’s been doing a lot with his extra playing time lately (171 wRC+ since June 23). As you can tell, there are a lot of moving parts.
With the righty (and former Cubs farmhand) Zack Godley on the mound for the Diamondbacks this afternoon, Jason Heyward re-enters the starting lineup and everything is as expected. As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (1:20).
