The Chicago Cubs are beginning a new series in Colorado tonight (it’s a late one!), and the lineup feature a couple of notable decisions. Check it out.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Carlos Gonzalez, RF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Yu Darvish, P
- David Bote, 2B
Although it’s a late-game tonight (7:40 CT), this is a relatively late lineup release, which got me thinking that someone might be injured or that a roster move could be on the way. And sure enough, just before the lineup was announced, Jesse Rogers said this:
Hearing Kris Bryant not in the lineup today due to that issue with his right ankle after rounding first base last night.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) June 10, 2019
As you can see, Kris Bryant is in the lineup (as of now), but I have no doubt that they were testing him out and making a last-minute decision. So to that end, keep him on your radar tonight – he could still be a late-scratch if he doesn’t feel 100% by game time.
Beyond that, Victor Caratini is behind the plate for Yu Darvish again, after Willson Contreras took those honors last time around. Darvish does seem to perform slightly better with Caratini, but Contreras did reach base twice against German Marquez last week. It’s a balance, but given the way Caratini has been swinging it – and the way Contreras swings it when he gets ample rest – this is just fine.
Carlos Gonzalez continues to draw start after start at the expense of Albert Almora Jr., but, again, given the way Kyle Schwarber has been leading off successfully and Jason Heyward’s 75-plate-appearance hot streak, there’s not much room for Almora *everyday* right now. Marquez is also weaker against left-handed hitting for his career, so both Caratini and Gonzalez make sense compared to Contreras and Almora.
And finally, the end of the lineup once again features the pitcher, Darvish, batting eighth, with David Bote at second base/second leadoff (a.k.a. batting ninth). As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:40 CT).