NEWSLETTER
Later this afternoon (1:20 CT), the Cubs will play their fourth game against the Cardinals since 4:15pm on Monday – this one, against their toughest pitcher, Jack Flaherty. Here’s how David Ross will line up his group with Alec Mills on the mound.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
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. Jason Kipnis, 2B
8. Victor Caratini, DH
9. Nico Hoerner, 3B
It’s important to not that while Jack Flaherty is the ace of the Cardinals staff, he hasn’t pitched since Opening Day. That kind of layoff will likely do more harm than good, but you just can’t think that way against a pitcher with his stuff and talent.
With that out of the way, I would like to point out some individual matchup histories between Flaherty and the Cubs core:
A. Rizzo: 9-18, 2B, 3 HRs, 3BB, 2Ks
K. Bryant: 2-18, 2B, 3BBs, 10Ks
W. Contreras: 4-19, HR, 8Ks
J. Baez: 1-12, 3B, BB, 7Ks
You’re obviously not happy that Kris Bryant is not only hurt, but also struggling at the plate, but if there was ever a matchup for him to miss, this would be it. Bryant has just 2 hits and 3 walks in 21 plate appearances against Flaherty with 10 strikeouts. He’s got Bryant’s number.
Similarly, Contreras and Baez have struck out a combined 15 times in 32 plate appearances against Flaherty, with just 5 hits and a walk to their credit. Both are in the lineup today, though. So we’ll just have to hope for some better outcomes and some rust on the part of Flaherty.
HOWEVER, look at Rizzo’s numbers! The Cubs first baseman is slashing .500/.591/1.056 against Flaherty, which equates to a 1.646 OPS … LOL. Let’s hope he can stay hot and provide a lot of the offense today.
As for the lineup itself, Happ stays in the leadoff spot, but Nico Hoerner comes in to cover third in place of David Bote (in place of Bryant). Hoerner’s contact bat is going to play a lot better than Bote’s swing and miss power, so all things considered this is a good move. It’s great to have a guy like Hoerner around, by the way, who can play all over the infield at a high level on a moment’s notice.
As usual, we’ll have your Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT).
