The Chicago Cubs have lost four games in a row (and three straight to the Pirates). At best, this could still turn into a series split, but splitting a four-gamer at home against one of the worst teams in MLB is … not a good outcome. Here’s the lineup for Game 3 against Zach Thompson and the Pirates.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Rafael Ortega, DH
2. Seiya Suzuki, RF
3. Willson Contreras, C
4. Ian Happ, LF
5. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
6. Jonathan Villar, 2B
7. Jason Heyward, CF
8. Alfonso Rivas, 1B
9. Nico Hoerner, SS
The Cubs have a different look on the right side of the infield today, with Jonathan Villar replacing Nick Madrigal at second base and the lefty Alfonso Rivas giving Frank Schwindel a day off (Madrigal sat the last time the Cubs faced Thompson, too). Rivas has gotten much of an opportunity yet this year, but he’s back on the roster because of Clint Frazier’s appendicitis and with the offense stuck in the mud, today’s as good of an opportunity as any.
Patrick Wisdom is moving back up in the lineup, but the top of the order remains unchanged.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT).