The Cubs took care of business last night, and now stand just one win (or one Cardinals loss) away from retaking the NL Central. Here’s the lineup David Ross has chosen with Jon Lester on the mound. Check out the guy at third base ….
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Ian Happ, CF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Willson Contreras, C
4. Jason Heyward, RF
5. Kris Bryant, 3B
6. Kyle Schwarber, LF
7. Javy Baez, SS
8. Jason Kipnis, 2B
9. Victor Caratini, DH
Shockingly, Kris Bryant (oblique) is back – yet again – from another injury this year. And even though he does tend to heal quickly from things, I am genuinely surprised to see him back so soon (and at third base, not DH, to boot!). Here’s hoping he actually feels better, because a healthy Kris Bryant can transform the Cubs lineup on any night, but also in October, when it matters most.
I’m sure the Cubs are thrilled to give him two opportunities to see how he feels in a game before the playoffs start on Wednesday. For what it’s worth, today’s starter, Dane Dunning, has been a lot tougher on righties (.163 wOBA) than lefties this season (.340 wOBA). Healthy or not, it probably won’t be the easiest matchup for Bryant.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:10 CT).