I was happy enough to see Willson Contreras back in the starting lineup โ DH or not โ these past few days, but I was getting anxious to see him catch another game (simultaneously happy that the Cubs were playing it slowly, but antsy to see him back there). Today, he makes his return. His first start behind the plate since Independence Day.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Rafael Ortega, DH
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ian Happ, LF
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Alfonso Rivas, 1B
- Nelson Velรกzquez, CF
- Christopher Morel, 2B
SP: Justin Steele, LHP
With Contreras behind the plate, DH opens up for leadoff man Rafael Ortega, which in turn opens up center field for Nelson Velรกzquez. All told the Cubs have six righties in tonight’s lineup, which is fine, because the Orioles starter, Spenser Watkins, has pretty significant reverse splits. I’m calling a Patrick Wisdom homer tonight.
Christopher Morel is at second, Alfonso Rivas is at first, and the Cubs are looking not to get swept by the Orioles.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:05 CT).