The Cubs lost big – again – last night, dropping their season-long run differential -81 (6th worst in MLB). They’ll try to shrink that number tonight in Pittsburgh with Matt Swarmer on the mound against the 22-year-old right-hander Roansy Contreras. Here’s David Ross’ lineup for Game 2.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Christopher Morel, CF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ian Happ, DH
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Rafael Ortega, LF
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Andrelton Simmons, 2B
- Alfonso Rivas, 1B
SP: Matt Swarmer, RHP
On Monday, the Cubs called up their 23-year-old outfield prospect, Nelson Velazquez. He sat last night in favor of Jason Heyward, and he’ll do so again tonight, despite the fact that the Cubs made extra room in the outfield by DH-ing Ian Happ.
I don’t know why this is so hard for them, but I suppose we already knew this was coming.
In his last 30 PAs, Heyward has 2 hits and a .069/.100/.103 slash line.
Anyway, after some key defensive issues cost them yesterday, Andrelton Simmons is in there at second base today. Simmons has 6 hits in his last 39 PAs … all singles, with no walks, which means he’s slashing .162/.162/.162 over that stretch.
The 2022 Chicago Cubs.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:05 CT).