The Cubs have won two straight out of the All-Star break, which means they’ve officially won their first series since their three-game sweep of the Cardinals back in EARLY JUNE. Let’s see if they can make this series victory a sweep, as well.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Javy Baez, SS
- Kris Bryant, RF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Victor Caratini, C
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Robel Garcia, 2B
- David Bote, 3B
- Jose Quintana, P
It’s a fairly eclectic group today against the righty Trevor Williams, with Kris Bryant out in right field, Jason Heyward in center, Robel Garcia at second base, David Bote at third base, and Victor Caratini behind the plate. But it makes plenty of sense, given Williams’ splits this season:
Lefties: .304/.358/.438
Righties: .256/.287/.458
This alignment gets Addison Russell and Albert Almora Jr.’s righty bats out of the lineup, more or less, in favor of David Bote (120 wRC+ versus righties) and Robel Garcia (switch-hitter), while also allowing Contreras to get some rest on a day when the switch-hitting Caratini can be set up for some success.
Of course, Contreras is 2-4 with two 2Bs against Williams, while Caratini is 1-8 … but still, I think it’s a fine move and a good day to rest Contreras overall.
UPDATE: He’s out with a sore right foot …
Willson Contreras Is Out of the Lineup With a Sore Right Foot https://t.co/sxxgMq6ktJ pic.twitter.com/lXssOk9sGD
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) July 14, 2019
Speaking of a history against Williams, Kyle Schwarber is 6-17 with a double, two homers, and three walks against just 1 strikeout. That’s good for a 1.215 OPS. But he’s not the only one with past success against this pitcher. Bote is 2-2 with a triple against Williams, Rizzo is 5-18 with three doubles, a homer, and a walk, and Javy Baez has a double, a homer, and two walks against Williams.
Let’s go Cubs, and, as usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT).