Chicago Cubs Lineup: Russell and Garcia Up the Middle

There are lot of things I don’t love about today’s lineup. And I don’t have anything positive to add to that. Here’s what the Cubs are left with in the middle of a tight division race (that they’re currently losing).

Chicago Cubs Lineup: 

1. Jason Heyward, CF
2. Nicholas Castellanos, RF
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Robel Garcia, 2B
6. Kyle Schwarber, LF
7. Addison Russell, SS
8. Jonathan Lucroy, C
9. Kyle Hendricks, P

What can I say that you don’t already know?

• The Cubs don’t have a leadoff hitter, so Jason Heyward continues to do it (even though he’s been struggling mightily there *and* the Mariners have a lefty on the mound this afternoon).
• The Cubs catcher, Willson Contreras, is still out and their backup, Victor Caratini, can’t play every day, so the shell of Jonathan Lucroy is starting behind the plate.
• The Cubs shortstop, Javy Baez, hurt his thumb yesterday, so Addison Russell has to slide over to cover in his absence and that somehow leaves us with Robel Garcia starting at second base … in September … with a 3.0-game deficit.

This is an imperfect roster LOADED with talent, but bogged down by one too many injuries and no option – whatsoever – at leadoff. As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT).

Happy Monday.