Another day, another rubber match. This one’s against the Reds at Wrigley Field. Here’s the Cubs lineup for the finale.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Rafael Ortega, RF
- Willson Contreras, DH
- Ian Happ, LF
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Yan Gomes, C
- P.J. Higgins, 1B
- David Bote, 2B
- Christopher Morel, CF
SP: Kyle Hendricks, RHP
Tonight, Christopher Morel will get his second start at the bottom of the lineup, having vacated the leadoff duties (and attendant pressure) as the strikeouts started to pile up. He had a nice game yesterday, so maybe it’s already working.
In any case, that leaves leadoff open for Rafael Ortega, who’s tonight’s right fielder (not Narciso Crook), which leaves DH duties available for Willson Contreras, which leaves catching duties available for Yan Gomes! These things are interconnected, my friends.
But Ross isn’t stoping at two catchers. P.J. Higgins is also starting tonight, replacing Alfonso Rivas at first base, even with a righty on the mound. Then again, righties have hit Graham Ashcraft (tonight’s Reds starter) better than lefties this season, albeit in a small sample.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:05 CT).