The Cubs are starting a new series in Houston today. Here’s their lineup for their first of three against the first-place Astros.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Javy Baez, DH
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jim Adduci, RF
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Daniel Descalso, 2B
- Addison Russell, SS
- David Bote, 3B
Well, okay. That’s technically a lineup.
After colliding in the outfield yesterday, both Kris Bryant (under evaluation) and Jason Heyward (hip) are out of the Memorial Day lineup. Obviously, the medium and long-term concern is that both guys are healthy and will be returning as soon as possible.
But in the meantime, the Cubs have lineups to create, and without either of them available – plus no Ben Zobrist or Ian Happ or Mark Zagunis – they have to get creative. And of course this is one of the rare series where they need an additional position player, because of the designated hitter. Sigh.
So anyway, you’ve got Javy Baez playing the role of DH, with Kyle Schwarber in left, Jim Adduci in right, Daniel Deslcaso at second base, David Bote at third base, and Addison Russell at shortstop. The Cubs just don’t have enough outfielders right now. As Brett put it: they’re playing with a National League lineup in an AL park.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:10 CT).