There is so much going on right now it’s hard to focus and get this lineup post out, but here we go.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Kris Bryant, RF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Willson Contreras, C
- David Bote, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, 2B
- Kyle Hendricks, P
With Ben Zobrist on the restricted list, Daniel Descalso hurt, Victor Caratini still rehabbing, and no lefty on the mound for Albert Almora Jr. to lead off, the Chicago Cubs have Jason Heyward in center field and at the top of the lineup tonight. He’s been struggling lately, but even in this mini-slump (past 10 games or so), he’s got a a 15.4% walk rate and a .333 OBP. Hopefully, he can get on base for the middle of the order to drive him in.
BUT, obviously that’s not the big story today. Instead, that’s the return of Addison Russell who had been in the Minor Leagues following the conclusion of his suspension for domestic violence.
Russell will bat eighth tonight and NOT return to shortstop, which has since been claimed by the 2018 NL MVP runner up (and possible 2019 favorite) Javier Baez. I’m happy to see Baez is staying put. Also, this decision – for entirely baseball reasons (not that it should be entirely about baseball) – makes sense. With a righty on the mound, it wasn’t a good night to start Albert Almora Jr. or Mark Zagunis. And with Ben Zobrist and Daniel Descalso out of commission, David Bote *and someone else* was going to have to come into play. Russell is apparently the best option (although you could credibly make an argument for Ian Happ, he is just starting to turn things around and I’d like to see his development untouched at this point, before he returns).
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time, which has been moved up to 6:35 for the on-coming storm … real and metaphoric, I suppose.