The Chicago Cubs are playing without the two heartbeats of their lineup – Anthony Rizzo and Javy Baez – but they have games to win nonetheless. Here’s their lineup for Game 1 against the Reds at Wrigley Field.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Nicholas Castellanos, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Victor Caratini, 1B
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Cole Hamels, P
We already knew Nico Hoerner would continue covering shortstop for Javy Baez (thumb), but it wasn’t entirely clear how the Cubs would go about back-filling Anthony Rizzo (ankle). Indeed, I think the plan will probably include some sort of rotation between Ben Zobrist, Ian Happ, and Victor Caratini, and today it’s the back-up catcher getting the call.
And with Caratini at first base, Willson Contreras is behind the plate, catching Cole Hamels, as Ben Zobrist plays second base and leads off. Other than that, just note that the Cubs have four of eight position players capable of hitting from the left side of the plate tonight, which should help them against righty Kevin Gausman.
It’s also Social Media night, tonight, so we’ll see you at Brickhouse before the game (and then Lu, Danny, and I have another episode of Outside the Ivy after the game!).