The Cubs are beginning a new four-game series against the Reds later tonight, and here’s their lineup for game one.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Daniel Murphy, 2B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Ian Happ, CF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Cole Hamels, P
- David Bote, 3B
Once again, you’ll find Daniel Murphy leading off for the Cubs, and I think you can more or less expect to see him there every time he starts. He had a good debut (2-5, RBI) for the Cubs yesterday, but figures to be set up for even more success tonight. Why? Well, unlike last night’s starter, Francisco Liriano, Anthony DeSclafani does not love to face left handers: .250/.305/.552.
Sure, he’s been able to keep them of the bases at a reasonable clip, but lefties have smashed 11 homers, 8 doubles, and a triple in just 36.2 IP against DeSclafani this summer, so it might be wise to look for power out of the leadoff spot tonight.
With a day game tomorrow, the Cubs are choosing to sit Contreras tonight, starting the switch-hitting Victor Caratini in his place. Obviously, Contreras wasn’t going to play one of these two games, so it makes sense to rest him against the tougher righty (versus Matt Harvey tomorrow afternoon) tonight.
With Addison Russell out, Javy Baez shifts over to shortstop and David Bote remains at third. Baez is working on a three-game multi-hit streak, so fingers crossed he’ll keep that going.
It’s Kyle Schwarber, Ian Happ, and Ben Zobrist across the outfield tonight, with Cole Hamels on the mound. And, as usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (7:05 CT).