With a win tonight, the Cubs could secure their third consecutive series victory. Here’s their lineup for Game 2 against the Pirates at Wrigley Field.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Rafael Ortega, CF
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Seiya Suzuki, RF
5. Alfonso Rivas, 1B
6. Frank Schwindel, DH
7. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
8. Jonathan Villar, 2B
9. Ildemaro Vargas, SS
SP: Keegan Thompson, RHP
Christopher Morel was indeed called up from Double-A Tennessee today, but he’s not starting in this lineup tonight. I’m sure that’ll come soon enough, though. Instead, the infield is a pretty typical for a right-handed pitcher, with Wisdom at third, not-Andrelton Simmons at short, Jonathan Villar at 2B, and Alfonso Rivas at first. That leaves the DH spot open for Frank Schwindel.
In a corresponding move (more on the roster moves in a moment), Jason Heyward is heading to the IL with no designation (so you can presume that’s COVID related), leaving center field open for Ortega, flanked by Happ and Suzuki as usual.
We’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:40 CT).