NEWSLETTER
Update: Kris Bryant was scratched with a sore right knee.
Well, how about that! I actually recognize some of the names in this lineup! It’s like being transported back to a different time! Bring it, Cubs!
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Nicholas Castellanos, RF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jon Lester, P
New Lineup:
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Nicholas Castellanos, RF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ian Happ, 3B
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jon Lester, P
Regular post follows ….
We more or less already knew that Ben Zobrist and Willson Contreras would be in the starting lineup tonight, based on some comments from Joe Maddon earlier today, but there is something more real about actually seeing it on paper. It’s happening. They’re both back, and I’m absolutely thrilled.
OF COURSE, we’re not allowed to have nice things, because Javy Baez is still out with a sore thumb after sliding hard into second base. Sigh. We also already knew he’d be out until at least this weekend, but a small part of me was just hoping we’d finally get the band back together. Oh, well. Soon enough.
In any case, yes, Zobrist is back at second base, relieving Jason Heyward of leadoff duties against Felix Hernandez at Wrigley Field, which actually works out in his favor. As you know, Zobrist hasn’t gotten a ton of live-game action since deciding to work his way back to the Cubs, but Hernandez isn’t throwing harder than 89-90 MPH these days, so that could help. I hope he kills it and just completely takes over the leadoff role down the stretch. Wouldn’t that be something? (I wouldn’t count on that, but, hey, it’s first start in months … let’s at least be optimistic while we still can!).
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:05 CT).
