The Cubs just took two of three from the Diamondbacks last weekend, but they’ve got another (even longer) series on tap starting tonight. Diamondbacks righty Zac Gallen is on the mound for Arizona, and here’s the Cubs lineup to counter.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Rafael Ortega, CF
2. Willson Contreras, DH
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Seiya Suzuki, RF
5. Yan Gomes, C
6. Frank Schwindel, 1B
7. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
8. Christopher Morel, 2B
9. Andrelton Simmons, SS
I am a little surprised to see the lefty Alfonso Rivas on the bench tonight in favor of the righty Frank Schwindel at first base. But at the same time, Gallen has pretty significant reverse splits this season (and a less significant, but still present reverse split for his career). On top of that, Rivas has just 4 hits and a 38.1% strikeout rate in 42 May PAs. Meanwhile, Schwindel has a four-game hitting streak brewing and three multi-hit games in his last six starts.
So maybe it’s not really much of a mystery.
On a more positive note, I love the ability to keep Contreras in the lineup via the DH, plus Gomes hit a homer off Gallen last weekend. And I’m even more excited to see Christopher Morel continue his tour of the infield with a start at second base.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:40 CT).