Whenever the Cubs offense has stalled out – and it has stalled out plenty of times over the last few seasons – the Cubs look to one man to turn things around by leading things off: Anthony Rizzo. Tonight, the greatest leadoff hitter of all-time returns to his post (earlier than you’d probably hope given what it usually signifies) to spark this offense back into action.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Matt Duffy, 3B
4. Kris Bryant, LF
5. Jason Heyward, RF
6. David Bote, 2B
7. Jake Marisnick, CF
8. Nico Hoerner, SS
9. Kyle Hendricks, P
Beyond Rizzo up top, you’ll notice that Kris Bryant is back, Javy Baez still isn’t, Joc Pederson still isn’t, and the struggling Ian Happ is getting a day off. Matt Duffy covers third as Bryant takes left for Happ. Nico Hoerner remains at shortstop, but moves from leadoff to eighth. Jake Marisnick is in center, Jason Heyward is batting fifth, and Matt Duffy takes the third spot on the lineup.
*Long, deep, exhale.*
This Cubs lineup is far, far away from the group (and order) I want to see out there on a nightly basis, but injuries and ineffectiveness are the name of the game. Hopefully, Rizzo really does give this team a spark so that he can re-claim his mantle from one of the game’s best overall players:
Actually, Fernando Tatis Jr. now has the highest all-time OPS (1.016) for leadoff hitters (min. 200 PA). Rizzo has slipped to second at 1.005. https://t.co/KCxQc4896w
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) April 28, 2021
Thanks for correcting us, Jordan, on the one positive thing we had in our lives.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:20 CT).