The first time the Cubs faced Brandon Woodruff this season, he held them to just two earned runs on 4 hits and a walk over 5.0 innings. Fortunately, Kyle Hendricks threw a complete game shutout that night, helping the Cubs to an Opening Day win over Milwaukee. But with Tyler Chatwood on the bump tonight, coming off a pretty rough start against the Royals, let’s hope the offense can do a little more against Woodruff on their second time around.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
1. Ian Happ, CF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Javy Baez, SS
4. Kyle Schwarber, LF
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. David Bote, 3B
8. Jason Kipnis, DH
9. Nico Hoerner, 2B
Among the damage the Cubs did do against Woodruff on opening day, you may recall an Ian Happ homer that rocketed off his bat at 108 MPH and traveled 422 feet. And with Kris Bryant still out with a sore wrist from his diving play a couple games ago, it’s Happ who gets the honor of leading off.
Yesterday’s leadoff hitter, Nico Hoerner, was not left out in the cold, though. After a nice 1-3, 2B, BB performance last night, Hoerner stays in the lineup at second base, while Jason Kipnis, getting increasingly more starts against right-handers, takes over at DH. Victor Caratini has been the most used designated hitter this season (and did have a groundball double off Woodruff in that first game), but he’s slowed down a bit offensively lately and basically just caught two games in a row.
In Bryant’s place on the field, we once again see David Bote, who’s been hitting the ball as hard as anyone this season, and all things considered this looks like a solid lineup.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:15 CT).