The Cubs had a shot at extending their winning streak to eight games last night, but Pedro Strop had a very unusual outing and, well, it just didn’t happen OKAY?!
Let’s try again.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Willson Contreras, C
- David Bote, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
Ben Zobrist, LF Kyle Schwarber (Zobrist scratched for personal reasons)- Jon Lester, P
With a quick look at tonight’s lineup, it’s easy to guess there’s a lefty on the mound for the Marlins – and, indeed, there is. Southpaw Caleb Smith is starting, so Albert Almora Jr. is in center field and leading off, while David Bote is in there at second base. Meanwhile, Daniel Desclaso, who still might not be 100%, is on the bench with Kyle Schwarber, Mark Zagunis (who can’t buy a start right now), and the backup catcher Taylor Davis.
WITH ALL OF THAT SAID, it’s worth pointing out that Smith has actually been a reverse-split lefty for his career. Perhaps, then, it would’ve been a good night for Schwarber to start, but I’m not beat up about it. Smith’s splits aren’t particularly wide, and righties will still probably feel more comfortable against him than lefties, regardless of the subtle gap in results.
We’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:05 CT).