Although it’s a wild thought, I was thinking the Cubs might try for TWO hits this afternoon against Brandon Woodruff and the Brewers. I just want to see if that works a little better.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Ian Happ, CF
2. Eric Sogard, 2B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Kris Bryant, 3B
5. Joc Pederson, LF
6. Javy Baez, SS
7. Jason Heyward, RF
8. Tony Wolters, C
9. Kyle Hendricks, P
It’d be easy to complain about Eric Sogard taking the most important spot in the lineup in the absence of Willson Contreras (more on that in a second), but he’s got 2 hits in just 6 plate appearances this season, which is at least as many hits as everyone else on the Cubs besides Kris Bryant (4 hits) and Javy Baez (3 hits) … and they have 19 and 20 plate appearances respectively. So, yeah, go for it, Sogard.
And for what it’s worth lefties (.249/.312/.393) have hit Woodruff a lot better than righties (.217/.274/.320) for his career, so maybe Sogard makes plenty of sense.
As for the lineup coordination, Sogard is taking Contreras’ place in the order (and David Bote’s in the field). It was time for Contreras to get a breather (he can’t catch every game), and a day game against a tough righty (with Kyle Hendricks on the mound) immediately following a night game makes as much sense for Tony Wolters to get his first start of the year as any other day. But everything else is right where it should be.
Notable Matchup History:
• If you’re looking for someone to pop today, it might be Joc Pederson’s turn. The Cubs left fielder is 3-3 with 2 HRs against Woodruff.
• By contrast, Kris Bryant has SEVEN strikeouts against Woodruff in just 13 at-bats.
• Ian Happ is 2-8, with a homer, a walk, and 2 strikeouts.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT). I love day baseball. Go Cubs.