NEWSLETTER
The Cubs have dropped each of the first two games against the Rockies at Coors Field this week, which means they’ll be trying to avoid a sweep later this afternoon. Unfortunately, they’ll be doing so without one of two of their best hitters. Check it out.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- David Bote, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Carlos Gonzalez, RF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Cole Hamels, P
- Addison Russell, 2B
No Kris Bryant. No Willson Contreras.
For what it’s worth, Bryant was 2-7 with a walk and a strikeout against Senzatela for his career, and David Bote has never faced him. But Bote is in there today, both in Bryant’s spot in the lineup (batting second) and on the field (playing third). Rest is a good thing, but the timing isn’t exactly my favorite. Hopefully, Bote, who’s been hitting well, himself, can make up for it.
Meanwhile, Contreras, who’s replaced by Victor Caratini in the starting lineup once again, was 1-1 with a double against Senzatela in the past. Caratini has been drawing a ton of starts lately – more so than I’ve expected, really – but he’s been pretty good, so it’s not much of a concern. Caratini, like Bote, has not faced Senzatela yet in his career.
NOTE: Obviously, with a night-game last night and day game today, it’s not very surprising that Contreras is not in the starting lineup.
BUT Anthony Rizzo (2-6, 2B, BB), Addison Russell (2-3), and Kyle Schwarber (2-4, 2B) have each seen Senzatela well before and are all in the lineup later today.
Let’s see if the Cubs can salvage this series without two of their best hitters, before heading to Los Angeles for four-straight against the Dodgers (eek). As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (2:10 CT).
