Still no Kris Bryant (wrist), as Ian Happ continues to lead off for the Chicago Cubs, but there are more than a few changes to tonight’s batting order and defensive alignment. Check it out.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
1. Ian Happ, LF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Javy Baez, SS
4. Willson Contreras, C
5. Kyle Schwarber, DH
6. David Bote, 3B
7. Jason Heyward, RF
8. Hernan Perez, 2B
9. Albert Almora Jr., CF
As expected, Willson Contreras and Kyle Schwarber flop spots in the batting order with a lefty, Dallas Keuchel, on the mound, but somewhat surprisingly, we see Hernan Perez at second base, not Nico Hoerner. And that’s not all. With Steven Souza Jr. still out (hamstring) it’s Jason Heyward and Albert Almora Jr. in the outfield tonight, with Kyle Schwarber at DH and Ian Happ in left, not center.
Historically, Perez hasn’t really handled lefties all that well (88 wRC+), though he does hit them better than righties (64 wRC+). Of course, Hoerner has actually been even worse against left-handed pitchers this season (83 wRC+), so maybe it was time for Perez to get a start? I don’t know. I probably would’ve just stuck with Hoerner, which means you can probably count on Perez to go deep tonight.
As for Almora Jr., we know the story by now and we also know he’s decidedly NOT in a strict platoon. But he is going to need starts every now and then and if you can do it against a lefty while keeping Happ and Schwarber in the lineup, improving the defense at two spots, then it’s as good a time as any.
I do feel it’s worth pointing out that for however great Heyward has been against RHP this season – and he has been *great* (160 wRC+) – he’s been more than equally worse against lefties (31 wRC+). The Cubs really could use a right-handed outfielder that can hit lefties. Or better yet, they need Kris Bryant back (David Bote is starting at third).
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:15 CT).