The Cubs have just two games left before the All-Star break – today is one of them. Here’s the lineup Joe Maddon has chosen against Lucas Giolito and the Sox.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Javy Baez, SS
- Kris Bryant, RF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Robel Garcia, DH
- David Bote, 3B
- Addison Russell, 2B
Lucas Giolito is on the mound for the White Sox this evening, and he’s been very good this season: 2.72 ERA, 3.16 FIP (3.1 WAR at the half-way point). With that said, he has had his struggles from time to time, most notably, perhaps, against the Chicago Cubs a couple weeks ago: 4.1 IP, 7H, 6ER, 3BB, 9Ks.
In that one, Willson Contreras and David Bote combined for three homers off Giolito while Albert Almora Jr. and Kyle Schwarber each launched a double. All but Almora are in the lineup tonight.
And that’s because center field is being held down by Jason Heyward, who’s vacated right field for Kris Bryant, who moved off third base for David Bote. And with Bote at third, Addison Russell grabs another start at second base. But not at the expense of our shiny new toy, Robel Garcia.
Although Garcia won’t be playing the field to start the night, he is in the lineup thanks to the Designated Hitter. I don’t know about you, but I sure could use a couple more Robel blasts before the first-half is over. Think he gets one tonight?
Also of note: Kris Bryant is 1-9 with 4Ks against Giolito lifetime, and, as usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:15)