Tonight, the Cubs will get their first start against a lefty (Kwang Hyun Kim) in five days after having faced a lefty five times in their eight games before that. Just a schedule quirk, but an unusual one. Here’s David Ross’ lineup for the finale in St. Louis.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Willson Contreras, C
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
4. Javy Baez, SS
5. Jake Marisnick, CF
6. Rafael Ortega, RF
7. Nico Hoerner, 2B
8. Ian Happ, LF
9. Adbert Alzolay, P
As you can see, there is no Kris Bryant tonight, which, as we have surmised, means he was not available last night. Sigh. I really hope he’s not too seriously hurt at exactly the wrong time, especially given the rumors that the Cubs may not be too far down the road on individual deals at the moment.
In his place at third, you’ll find Patrick Wisdom, batting third. Willson Contreras is drawing the leadoff card against the lefty (which means he’ll probably sit for tomorrow’s early afternoon game against the Diamondbacks). Jake Marisnick is in center, as he is against most lefties, Ian Happ is in left, and Rafael Ortega continues drawing starts all over, this time in right.
On the pitching side, Kim has made just one start against the Cubs this season, but it was one of his very best this year: 6.0 IP, 5H, 0ER, 1BB, 7Ks. With that said he does have very significant traditional splits, meaning righties have always hit him better than lefties), so today would have been a good day to get Matt Duffy back, but it seems as though that’s coming tomorrow.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:15 CT).