I can’t say I actually expected to see Willson Contreras in tonight’s starting lineup after being pulled from the game late yesterday with hamstring tightness (even if he was “fine” you’d really expect him to sit out). But my heart took over my head and I had held out hope. Alas. No Contreras tonight for Game 2 in Milwaukee.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Rafael Ortega, DH
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Ian Happ, LF
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Alfonso Rivas, 1B
- Yan Gomes, C
- Nelson Velázquez, CF
- David Bote, 2B
SP: Kyle Hendricks, RHP
No Christopher Morel, either. Though that’s probably just about regular rest.
There’s no explanation out there yet for Contreras, but I think we’ll get one soon. The media may not have met with David Ross yet.
But it’s not all bad news. With Contreras out of the lineup, Rafael Ortega is able to slide in as the DH, while keeping Nelson Velázquez’s bat in the lineup (in CF), now that Seiya Suzuki has returned to right (so happy to have him back). Suzuki went 2-4 with an inside-the-park home run yesterday.
Besides that, David Bote is starting once again, this time at a spot that will require more action in the field, which is nice to see after re-injuring his shoulder in a collision with Nico Hoerner (initially, he sat out, then he was the DH, then he grabbed a start at 1B, and now he’s finally back at 2B).
Yan Gomes is behind the plate and Alfonso Rivas takes back over at first.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:10 CT).