The Cubs dropped both halves of the double-header yesterday, which means they’re trying to avoid the sweep tonight on Sunday Night Baseball. Unfortunately, they’ll have to do it without Marcus Stroman (who just hit the IL), Patrick Wisdom (also injured), or Frank Schwindel (who was just optioned to Iowa).
Oh! And they’ll have to do it against Walker Buehler and the Dodgers on Sunday Night Baseball! Fun!
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Rafael Ortega, DH
2. Seiya Suzuki, RF
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Willson Contreras, C
5. Alfonso Rivas, 1B
6. Nico Hoerner, SS
7. Jonathan Villar, 3B
8. Jason Heyward, CF
9. Nick Madrigal, 2B
SP: Justin Steele, LHP
Buehler has been very, very good (again) this season, and he’s coming off two particularly strong starts against the Diamondbacks at Tigers (15Ks and no earned runs over 16.0 IP). Needless to say, the Cubs have their work cut out for them. At least they’ve got five lefties in there? I don’t know anymore.
With all the injuries and demotions, the Cubs are left with Alfonso Rivas at first base and Jonathan Villar at third, though both probably would’ve grabbed the start anyway. Rafael Ortega is your lead off man and DH and Jason Heyward is in center field.
This has not been a fun lineup post to write. Happy Mother’s Day! And as usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:08 CT).