The Chicago Cubs are starting another series against the Cardinals tonight, and they’ll do it with Javier Baez back in the starting lineup:
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, SS
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Ian Happ, 3B
- Mike Montgomery, P
- Victor Caratini, C
After staying out of the starting lineup (but appearing for short spurts later on in games) over the last few days (knee), Javier Baez makes his triumphant return to the batting order tonight. And it’s good to have him back.
But he’s not returning to second base, as expected. Instead, he’ll cover short as Addison Russell grabs a breather and Ben Zobrist covers second. With Kris Bryant also out (on the DL), that means the hot-hitting Ian Happ is at third base again tonight, with Anthony Rizzo at first. It’s a strange infield, to be sure, and not one I think we’ve seen before. It also means one of yesterday’s heroes, David Bote, is on the bench tonight, but don’t worry, he’ll get his time.
With a day game tomorrow following a night game tonight, Willson Contreras is also on the bench, so Victor Caratini is behind the plate. Given his usually patient ways, I like him batting ninth, after the pitcher and before Anthony Rizzo, because he can operate as a solid, second table-setter.
Albert Almora, Jason Heyward, and Kyle Schwarber comprise your outfield tonight, and that about covers it! As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (7:15 CT).