The Cubs have lost a couple in a row, but are back at it again tonight with a different catcher behind the plate:
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Daniel Descalso, 2B
- Kris Bryant, RF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- David Bote, 3B
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Taylor Davis, C
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Yu Darvish, P
That’s right: Taylor Davis is getting his first big league start of the season, filling in for the injured Victor Caratini, and he’ll be catching Yu Darvish along the way (which is no easy task, given how deep Darvish’s arsenal is … and the fact that he can throw in the upper-90s at times). Naturally, that means Willson Contreras is getting the night off. Davis has never been much of an offensive force – even in the Minors – but maybe he can elevate Darvish’s game a bit.
Elsewhere … Returning to the lineup is the trio of lefties that were left out of the mix yesterday in favor of David Bote, Mark Zagunis, and Albert Almora Jr. – Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber, and Daniel Descalso. But with Ben Zobrist grabbing the bench, as well, Bote is sticking in there at third base, with Kris Bryant, who homered and walked yesterday, heading out to right field.
This is a fairly different looking group than we’re used to seeing this season – let’s hope they have better luck than the Cubs did last night.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:10 CT).