Two wins are good, three would be better. Let’s see if the Cubs can complete their sweep in Philadelphia today without Willson Contreras in the lineup.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Chris Morel, CF
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Ian Happ, DH
- Frank Schwindel, 1B
- Yan Gomes, C
- David Bote, 2B
- Nelson Velázquez, LF
SP: Drew Smyly, LHP
You’ll immediately notice the lack of Willson Contreras today, which might be alarming (traded?! injured?!), especially against a lefty, but I wouldn’t freak. Contreras caught each of the first two games out of the break and also started in the All-Star game. So with the early start today after catching last night, this is nothing more than regular rest.
(I believe that was even indicated at the start of the broadcast last night.)
He’s still definitely going to be traded, but I don’t think this is it.
So with both catcher and DH open, we get to see Nelson Velázquez today in left field, with Happ at DH. Velázquez hasn’t gotten a ton of starts lately, so enjoy it when you get it.
The top of the lineup is jam-packed with righties and Yan Gomes is behind the plate.
We’ll have a full Pre-Gamin’ post for you shortly.