The Cubs are currently three games behind the Brewers with three games against them starting tonight in Milwaukee. The Cubs will use their best pitcher, right-hander Kyle Hendricks, while the Brewers will use one-third of their three-headed rotation beast, right-hander Freddy Peralta. Here’s the Cubs lineup for Game 1.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Joc Pederson, LF
2. Ian Happ, CF
3. Javy Baez, SS
4. Kris Bryant, 1B
5. Jason Heyward, RF
6. Eric Sogard, 3B
7. Sergio Alcantara, 2B
8. Jose Lobaton, C
9. Kyle Hendricks, P
Anthony Rizzo was removed from last night’s game with lower back tightness, and unfortunately, he was apparently not feeling up to playing tonight. It’s frustrating news given the importance and timing of this series (and the fact that Peralta is much weaker against lefties than righties), but here we are. Willson Contreras is also getting a night off. So we’re left with Kris Bryant at first base, Jose Lobaton behind the dish, Eric Sogard at third, and Sergio Alcantara at second.
The outfield is back to the original crew tonight, and with Baez at short, that accounts for everyone.
Note: The Cubs have faced Peralta three times already this season, and he’s allowed just three earned runs total in 15.0 IP. He’s also struck out 25 Cubs batters against just 8 hits and 7 walks (.244 wOBA allowed).
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:10 CT).