NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Cubs enter play today with a six-game winning streak and their third consecutive sweep on the lineup. Here’s how David Ross will lineup his Cubs against the righty, Brad Keller, and his Royals.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
1. Kris Bryant, 3B
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Javy Baez, SS
4. Kyle Schwarber, LF
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Victor Caratini, DH
8. Nico Hoerner, 2B
9. Ian Happ, CF
The lefty, Jason Kipnis (3-8, 2B), is the only Cub with any experience against the righty, Keller, but Nico Hoerner continues to draw more starts at second base. But while I still believe FULLY in Hoerner’s future, it is probably fair to point out that he doesn’t have a hit in his last four starts, is slashing .233/.294/.267 (62 wRC+) overall, and just .200/.227/.250 (32 wRC+) against righties this season.
At some point, Kipnis should draw more starts against righties, especially ones like Keller who’ve kept right-handed hitters to a .241/.293/.353 (.280 wOBA) slash line for his career. There’s also David Bote, who’s been crushing the ball and actually hit righties better than lefties last season. All I’m saying here is there are options.
Other than, though, everything is right where it’s supposed to be. Bryant is leading off, Schwarber hits cleanup, Victor Caratini is the DH, and Happ turns the lineup over at the bottom.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:07 CT).
