The Cubs are starting a new series today, but they’re still at home. Here’s their lineup for Game 1 against the Oakland A’s.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Nicholas Castellanos, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Tony Kemp, 2B
- Kyle Hendricks, P
Tony Kemp hasn’t done much of anything for his career (.241/.321/.375; 93 wRC+), this season (.229/.306/.412; 91 wRC+), or in limited duty with the Cubs (2-7 with two singles, no walks, and a strikeout) to earn starting-caliber time for a first-place team down the stretch, but he’s sure seen plenty of playing time since coming to the Cubs at the deadline.
I guess with Addison Russell’s residence in Iowa, Daniel Descalso’s trip to the IL, David Bote’s inconsistencies, and Ian Happ’s permanent ban from the starting lineup (let alone, infield), that’s going to be the case more often than not, but that doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it. The way I see it: Kemp was an excellent pickup for the bench. But as an everyday starter … I’m less enthused.
Of course, hey, man, don’t get me wrong: I’m rooting for him. I hope he goes out there and crushes it. The Cubs have a division to win and every game is supposed to matter. I just think he’s probably being stretched out of his best-value role quite a bit here. What are you going to do without many options?
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:05 CT).