The Cubs may have guaranteed themselves a series win with their 8-7 victory over the Rockies last night, but they’ve got a chance at a sweep later this afternoon. Here’s how they’ll line up against Jon Gray fill-in starter Peter Lambert, who’s making his big league debut.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Kris Bryant, RF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Willson Contreras, C
- David Bote, 3B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Daniel Descalso, 2B
- Jose Quintana, P
Jon Gray was originally slated to get the start this afternoon, but he’s been given an extra day off with a “hot spot” on his finger (sort of like a pre-blister). In his place, the Rockies are calling up 22-year-old rookie Peter Lambert, who was dominant at Double-A last season, but not so dominant at Triple-A ever since:
11 Triple-A Starts in 2018: 5.04 ERA, 4.61 FIP
11 Triple-A Starts in 2019: 5.07 ERA, 4.90 FIP
It’s never easy facing a guy for the first, but you have to hope the Cubs can hit him at least as well as Minor Leaguers have for the past year or so.
With all of that said, Jason Heyward and Carlos Gonzalez are finally getting the day off after several starts in a row, which opens up two spots in the outfield. Albert Almora Jr. is unsurprisingly taking over center field and Kris Bryant is heading out to right.
In his place at third, then, you’ll find none other than DAVID BOTE – last night’s hero and current owner of some fantastic results and peripherals:
https://twitter.com/Michael_Cerami/status/1136630332848005122
I know Joe Maddon has been deciding on his lineups in advance this season, but it was basically a lock that he was going to start today. That’s what happens when you go 4-4 with a double, a homer, and 7 RBI.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT).