NEWSLETTER
The Cubs needed some wins, and the Reds have so far obliged. Hopefully, the Cubs can make the margin of victory a little less narrow today.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
Anthony Rizzo, 1BTommy La Stella, 3BBen Zobrist, RFDaniel Murphy, 2BVictor Caratini, CIan Happ, CFAddison Russell, SSJose Quintana, PDavid Bote, LF
New lineup, with Tommy La Stella scratched due to lower back tightness:
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ian Happ, LF
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Daniel Murphy, 2B
- Victor Caratini, C
- David Bote, 3B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jose Quintana, P
- Albert Almora, CF
The Cubs drew Luis Castillo for today’s finale, and this season, the 25-year-old righty has had some of the most significant splits I’ve ever seen. It’s too bad Kyle Schwarber and Jason Heyward are still out, because wow:
Versus lefties: .295/.357/.557 (.385 wOBA)
Versus righties: .201/.252/.345 (.260 wOBA)
In any case, unlike yesterday’s lineup (wherein Jon Lester was the only left-handed bat), the Cubs bats are as left-handed as they can be today. David Bote and Addison Russell are the only right-handed hitters (outside of the pitcher, Jose Quintana), and each of the first six batters will hit from the left side of the plate. Hopefully, it materializes into some more offense.
And yes, that means yet another start for Victor Caratini behind the plate at the expense of Willson Contreras. But, why not? Contreras has begun to get some serious rest lately and I’m betting that begins to pay off at the end of the season and into October.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time.
