NEWSLETTER
Losing last night???s game was a bummer, but at least it came alongside the return(s) of Willson Contreras and Nico Hoerner. Both guys are in the starting lineup this morning, and they make the overall group look a HECK of a lot better when they’re in there.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Christopher Morel, CF
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Seiya Suzuki, RF
5. Frank Schwindel, DH
6. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
7. Alfonso Rivas, 1B
8. Nico Hoerner, SS
9. Jonathan Villar, 2B
SP: Justin Steele, LHP
Note that Contreras is behind the plate, not DH-ing (good sign), and batting right back up near the top of the order this morning. But by contrast, Nico Hoerner is back down to eighth after moving up as high as sixth. That’s partly due to the emergence of Christopher Morel as the leadoff hitter. But it also allows David Ross to break up some lefties at the bottom of the order. I think the overall group – and batting order – is about as good as the Cubs can muster right now.
And with Steele on the mound looking stronger in almost every start, I’m feeling good about the Cubs chances to take this finale in Cincinnati. As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (11:35am CT).
