Well, the Cubs have dropped the first two against the Yankees, and unfortunately it won’t get much easier today. Jameson Taillon is on the bump for New York, and he’s having the best season of his career: 2.73 ERA through 11 starts. Here’s the Cubs lineup against the righty.
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Christopher Morel, CF
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Ian Happ, DH
4. Frank Schwindel, 1B
5. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
6. Jonathan Villar, 2B
7. Nico Hoerner, SS
8. Jason Heyward, RF
9. Rafael Ortega, LF
SP: Keegan Thompson, RHP
The right-hander, Taillon, has historically carried traditional splits, but they’re extremely reversed this season, with lefties slashing just .183/.222/.301 (.231 wOBA) off him. I’m guessing the improved performance against has to do with the sudden development of his cutter that he likes to throw in on the hands of left-handed batters.
But the Cubs are going with history on this one, fitting an extra lefty in the lineup by way of Rafael Ortega in left field (while keeping Happ in the lineup via DH) and Jonathan Villar at second base over Nick Madrigal.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (12:35 CT).