NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Cubs have scored 2 runs or fewer six times since the All-Star break, so Joe Maddon is changing things up this afternoon.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, SS
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Jose Quintana, P
- Tommy La Stella, 3B
With Kris Bryant still out and Albert Almora struggling, Ian Happ is covering center field this afternoon, leaving third base open for Tommy La Stella. Behind the plate and at shortstop respectively, Willson Contreras and Addison Russell get a couple breathers while Jason Heyward and Kyle Schwarber take the outfield corners.
Which means, if you can’t already tell, Javy Baez is the *only* right-handed hitter in the lineup today (besides the pitcher (Jose Quintana bats right-handed)), as the three switch-hitters will all bat from the left side of the plate against Tyson Ross. I wonder why that … oh:
Versus Lefties: .372 wOBA
Versus Righties: .252 wOBA
And it all makes sense.
In fact, even Javier Baez’s splits make sense, as he’s hitting righties (.375 wOBA) slightly better than lefties (.365 wOBA) this season. I’m not sure this lineup needs more explaining than that; the strategy is clear. Now go get ’em, lefties. We need some wins here.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (1:20 CT).
