Recently promoted (straight out of Double-A!) Cubs prospect Christopher Morel has already logged starts at second and third base this season. And now, he’s getting a start in center field in just his fourth big league game. Talk about super-utility!
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Rafael Ortega, RF
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Frank Schwindel, DH
5. Alfonso Rivas, 1B
6. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
7. Jonathan Villar, 2B
8. Christopher Morel, CF
9. Ildemaro Vargas, SS
With Morel in center field (he actually got some time out there yesterday) and Heyward on the IL, Rafael Ortega is taking over right field in place of a resting Seiya Suzuki.
Suzuki has played in six straight games since coming back from his ankle soreness and has as many plate appearances as anyone else on the Cubs. A little rest is a good thing. The last time the Cubs faced today’s D-Backs starter, Humberto Castellanos, Suzuki struck out, drew a walk, and hit a double. Ortega and Patrick Wisdom also both homered off Castellanos.
Alfonso Rivas is also back in the starting lineup at first base, but with Ortega in right and Gomes on the bench, the Cubs are able to keep Frank Schwindel’s somewhat hotter bat in the lineup: 10 hits in his eight games, including three doubles and just five strikeouts. He’s got a five-game hitting streak on the line this afternoon.
Ildemaro Vargas is back at shortstop and Jonathan Villar is at second base. I don’t love the defensive potential for the Cubs today, but … hey. We’ve got a 1:20 game at Wrigley Field on a Friday. That’s what it’s all about.