The Cubs have already won this series against the Padres, and so I’m trying to remind myself that this was already as much as we could reasonably ask for …Â but also, I really want that sweep. Here’s David Ross’ lineup for the finale at Wrigley Field.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Joc Pederson, LF
2. Ian Happ, CF
3. Javy Baez, SS
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
6. Rafael Ortega, RF
7. Eric Sogard, 2B
8. P.J. Higgins, C
9. Adbert Alzolay, P
Kris Bryant is getting the day off today, and I’m not sure if that’s just a scheduled day off or what. This was frustratingly vague.
Cubs Kris Bryant not in lineup. More from David Ross top of the hour.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) June 2, 2021
UPDATE: Though this is a little simpler:
Days off for KB and Contreras with the quick turnaround and long West Coast trip coming up.
Tatis, Myers out of the lineup for Padres. https://t.co/R4xpVft8Em
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) June 2, 2021
But even then, it’s a bummer that it has to come today. Also a bummer? No start for Sergio Alcantara. Don’t get me wrong, I get it – lefties have hit Dinelson Lamet much better than righties throughout his career, and especially this season (.370 wOBA), so Eric Sogard starting at second base is fine – but I was just excited to see more of him right away. And, of course, Alcantara can hit from the left side, so …
Ditto Willson Contrears. With a day game following the night game (and so few days off for him this season), I’m not surprised to see P.J. Higgins behind the plate, but it’s all just so much rest at once against a very tough team. If the Cubs can pry this one away, it would be an absolute steal.
With Bryant and Contreras out of the lineup, Ian Happ moves all the way up to the two-hole, following Joc Pederson, who’s back in the leadoff spot against a righty. The hot bat, Patrick Wisdom, is sticking at third and batting in the middle of this lineup, while Rafael Ortega (RF) follows.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT).
And, hey, win yourself a hoodie:
🚨 🚨 GIVEAWAY TIME!!🚨 🚨
I'm giving a way a size small "GREATEST GAME" hoodie from Obvious Shirts today. Here's how you can win.
1. Must follow me
2. Must follow @obvious_shirts
3. Must retweet this tweet before game time (1:20 CT).That's it! I'll pick from the winners. pic.twitter.com/U7ASORLSt8
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) June 2, 2021