The Cubs are starting a new four-game set against the Pirates and with that, David Ross has another new lineup for a greatly struggling offense.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Ian Happ, CF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Willson Contreras, C
4. Kyle Schwarber, LF
5. Kris Bryant, 3B
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Javy Baez, SS
8. Jason Kipnis, 2B
9. Victor Caratini, DH
Kris Bryant has taken 3,242 plate appearances throughout his six-year career, with 89.1% of those plate appearances coming from one of the top-3 spots (almost always second or third). But after starting the year off at leadoff, Bryant moved down to the two-hole after returning from his injuries, then down to the three-hole after he continued to struggle, and tonight he’ll step up to the plate as the 5th batter in the Cubs lineup for just the 226th in his big league career.
Bryant’s Batting Order Position (Career):
Batting 1st: 101 PAs
Batting 2nd: 1,625 PAs
Batting 3rd: 1,162 PAs
Batting 4th: 102 PAs
Batting 5th: 225 PAs
Batting 6th: 13 PAs
Batting 7th: 1 PA
Batting 8th: 9 PAs
Batting 9th: 4 PAs
As you can see, fifth is really the lowest he’s ever gone with any smidge of regularity, so this is sort of a final stop in the batting order for him before moving into unprecedented territory. Let’s hope this is the furthest he falls, because he picks everything back up immediately and works his way back up (not that I can exactly see that happening *this year*).
Baez, similarly, is batting in the bottom third of the lineup. It’s just not a great year for the Cubs offensive core.
In any case, Willson Contreras is behind the plate, Victor Caratini is the DH, and Jason Kipnis is at second. Look for your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:05 CT).