The Chicago Cubs are beginning their five-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field tonight. Keegan Thompson is on the mound for the Cubs (as a freshly minted, official member of the rotation). And he’ll be squaring off against the 22-year-old southpaw, Matthew Liberatore. Here’s David Ross’ lineup for the opener in Chicago.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Christopher Morel, CF
2. Willson Contreras, DH
3. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
4. Frank Schwindel, 1B
5. Nico Hoerner, SS
6. Ian Happ, LF
7. Clint Frazier, RF
8. P.J. Higgins, C
9. Nick Madrigal, 2B
With a lefty on the mound tonight, Clint Frazier is getting the start in right field, which is nice to see. I sincerely hope his appearances aren’t limited to games against lefties, though Ross and the Cubs seem determined to get Jason Heyward and Rafael Ortega their chances. Frazier is no sure thing, himself, but he has some remaining upside as a still-young, former top prospect who’s been slowed by reasons other than his performance in the past.
Beyond that, it’s nice to open up the lineup announcement and see the same guy’s name penciled into the top of almost every group. And it’s even nicer that the name belongs to Christopher Morel. The Cubs 22-year-old ball of energy has played all over the field, but has made a home atop the lineup here lately. And in so doing, he’s reached base in all 15 games in which he’s appeared this season, which is a Cubs franchise record for a rookie to start his career.
His hitting streak came to an end last night, but he walked off the Brewers nonetheless.
Willson Contreras is in this lineup, but not behind the plate tonight, and the Cubs are sending eight righties and a switch-hitter against Liberatore.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:05 CT).