NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Cubs are riding a five-game winning streak into tonight’s opener in New York. But there are some really tough pitching matchups throughout this series (Walker, deGrom, Stroman), so getting off to a good start against Mets southpaw David Peterson tonight would be wise. Sadly, the Cubs will have to do it without one of their key lefty mashers, Javy Baez.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Willson Contreras, C
2. Kris Bryant, LF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
5. Jake Marisnick, CF
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Sergio Alcantara, SS
8. Eric Sogard, 2B
9. Jake Arrieta, P
Although he’s a lefty, David Peterson has actually been hit better by fellow lefties this season than righties and he’s pretty split neutral for his career. So it’s not the WORST night to have Eric Sogard at second base and Sergio Alcantara (batting from his weaker side) at shortstop, but the Cubs are worse off without him. This pesky thumb/hand issue is killing me.
Cubs Javier Baez still out of the lineup with a hand issue
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) June 14, 2021
At least the Cubs have Jake Marisnick back and starting in center field. And with Kris Bryant in left, that means nights off for Ian Happ and Joc Pederson, as well. Patrick Wisdom is in there at third base, as expected, and Willson Contreras is leading off, as he does against lefties.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:10 CT).
David Peterson:
