The Chicago Cubs are back in action tonight, for the first of two games in Baltimore. Keegan Thompson is on the mound for the Cubs and he’ll go up against the right-hander Kyle Bradish.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Christopher Morel, CF
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Frank Schwindel, 1B
5. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
6. Rafael Ortega, DH
7. Nico Hoerner, SS
8. Jason Heyward, RF
9. Nick Madrigal, 2B
I keep expecting to see some news that Clint Frazier is actually injured right now and that’s why he’s barely ever in the starting lineup over Jason Heyward. After all, Bradish is not a particularly tough pitcher – and righties are absolutely smoking him this season (.498 wOBA). But all we ever get is Jason Heyward. Over and over. It’s absurd.
I wish I had an explanation that made sense. The best I can offer/hope is that the Cubs know Heyward’s time is coming to an end soon, and otherwise expect to play Frazier more after that (or an Ortega) move is completed. But that seems optimistic. It’s probably safer to assume the Cubs are working on a new eight-year extension for Heyward, because that’s just how I’m feeling on a Tuesday in early June.
Just a reminder: Seiya Suzuki won’t be out injured forever and Frazier still has the potential to contribute to this team long-term (let alone, you know … right now).
Everyone else is playing where you’d expect. We’ll have a full Pre-Gamin’ post for you closer to game time (6:05 CT).