Fresh off a series win in San Diego, the Chicago Cubs are opening up a new three-game set against the surprisingly-above-.500 Arizona Diamondbacks (17-15). Our old friend Zach Davies is on the mound tonight for Arizona, though be warned: his contact-management this season has bounced back in a big way.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
1. Rafael Ortega, RF
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
5. Alfonso Rivas, 1B
6. Frank Schwindel, DH
7. Jason Heyward, CF
8. Jonathan Villar, 2B
9. Ildemaro Vargas, SS
SP: Drew Smyly, LHP
While we weren’t expecting Nico Hoerner tonight (or for a while), I was holding out some hope on a return for Seiya Suzuki, who hurt his ankle reaching for first base earlier this week. Suzuki has been available off the bench – and was even in an early iteration of a different starting lineup before being scratched – but he hasn’t returned yet. Maybe tomorrow.
In the meantime, Rafael Ortega, who’s swinging a slightly better bat of late, and Jason Heyward continue to fill out the outfield, while Ildemaro Vargas covers for Hoerner at short.
All told, the Cubs will send six lefty bats up against Davies tonight, which is the best they can do under the circumstances.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (8:40 CT). And remember, tonight’s game is being broadcast in AppleTV+. It’s free to stream for all … but you do need the app and an account.