The Cubs and the White Sox. A story as old as time. Here’s the lineup for the first of three this weekend.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
- Daniel Murphy, 2B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Kyle Schwarber, DH
- Albert Almora, CF
I am very pleased to see Kyle Schwarber returning to the Cubs starting lineup this afternoon, even as the designated hitter, because he hasn’t been in a game since September 10th and hasn’t started since the 8th. Getting back out there as the DH is a nice way to ease him back into action, with slightly less risk of re-injury. And it’s certainly important to get him going again before October begins, as well.
It’s also a good day to get him out there, because the White Sox starter, Reynaldo Lopez, is a righty (albeit one with reverse splits). Of course, those reverse splits help justify Albert Almora’s presence in center field, so all things considered this is good.
Also of note, you’ll find Victor Caratini behind the plate instead of Willson Contreras, who continues to get plenty of rest (and I think it’s working (but that’s a story for another time)), and Jason Heyward out in right. Daniel Murphy is at second base today, and Javy Baez is playing short.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (3:10 CT).