The Chicago Cubs are kicking off a three-game set with the Pirates later this afternoon – here’s their lineup for Game 1.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Nicholas Castellanos, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- David Bote, 2B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Jon Lester, P
With a lefty, Steven Brault, on the mound this afternoon, you might’ve worried that Joe Maddon was going to stick Albert Almora Jr. back in the top spot of the lineup, despite the availability of the Greatest Leadoff Hitter of All Time, but you’d be wrong!
Maddon still got Almora in there, batting 8th, but he went with Anthony Rizzo out of the top spot (thank god).
Beyond that, David Bote is starting at second base, Nico Hoerner is still covering shortstop, and Willson Contreras is back behind the plate to catch Jon Lester, as he does. The Cubs seriously need to win a lot of games this weekend, so let’s hope this group works. As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (3:05 CT).