The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds will kick off a three-game weekend series at Wrigley Field this afternoon, with Adbert Alzolay set to take on right-hander Vladimir Gutierrez, making his Major League debut. Unfortunately, they’ll do so still without Anthony Rizzo, who continues to miss time with a lower back strain.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Joc Pederson, LF
2. Kris Bryant, 1B
3. Javy Baez, SS
4. Ian Happ, CF
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. Rafael Ortega, RF
7. David Bote, 3B
8. Eric Sogard, 2B
9. Adbert Alzolay, P
Don’t get me wrong, the fill-ins (Patrick Wisdom, Rafael Ortega, Eric Sogard) have been performing well, but they’re just not Anthony Rizzo. This is an entirely different lineup with his patience and power in the middle of the order, and the Cubs are much worse without him. Hopefully, he gets better soon, because this team cannot keep sending key position players to the IL.
As expected, Kris Bryant is covering first base for Rizzo, David Bote is covering third for Bryant, and Eric Sogard files in at second. Rafael Ortega kicks out to right field and Joc Pederson continues to lead things off against righties.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT).
Good morning my people let’s have a great day today .. #CubTogether . Lest get it
— Adbert Alzolay (@adbert29) May 28, 2021