The Cubs clinched a postseason berth while being walked off last night, so they didn’t quite get a chance to celebrate. That day could come soon if/when they clinch the Central, but I’d settle for a huge offensive breakout victory tonight. Is that too much to ask?
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Ian Happ, CF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Willson Contreras, C
4. Kyle Schwarber, DH
5. Cameron Maybin, LF
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Javy Baez, SS
8. Jason Kipnis, 2B
9. David Bote, 3B
When I say the Cubs offense has been scuffling lately, I mean it:
It has been an extremely rough couple of weeks offensively for the Cubs, who have 3 of the bottom 10 hitters in MLB by wRC+ and 4 of the bottom 30.
4th worst – Ian Happ 8 wRC+
5th worst – Kyle Schwarber 12 wRC+
7th worst – Javy Baez 23 wRC+
27th worst – Anthony Rizzo 80 wRC+— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) September 23, 2020
All four of those hitters are in the lineup tonight, and three of them are batting in the top-4. And while the Cubs may glide into an NL Central title even without them picking things up, they’ll need at least a couple of them to get hot if they hope to navigate October.
Fortunately, tonight is a perfect night to get going with Trevor Williams on the mound for the Pirates with his 6.70 ERA (6.36 FIP). The Cubs faced him earlier this year, and they chased him after 4.2 IP with 4 hits, 3 walks, a homer and 3 runs scored. But the Cubs have plenty of history against Williams beyond just this season:
Schwarber: 8-22, 2B, 3 HRs, 4BB, 1K (1.280 OPS)
Rizzo: 7-21, 2B, HR, 3BBs, 5Ks (1.019 OPS)
Happ: 6-16, 2B, BB, 5Ks (.849 OPS)
Unfortunately, the Cubs best hitter against Williams, Kris Bryant (1.399 OPS) is out again tonight, replaced by David Bote, who’s batting ninth (which makes me wonder if he’s still not 100%). With Bote at 3B and Victor Caratini on the bench, Kyle Schwarber is the game’s DH and Cameron Maybin is out in left field. With Kyle Hendricks on the mound, I’m feeling good about a Cubs win tonight. Come on.
As usual, we’ll have your Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:05 CT).