Here’s the Cubs lineup for the first of just two more games at Wrigley Field before the Trade Deadline….
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Rafael Ortega, CF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Ian Happ, LF
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Frank Schwindel, DH
- Alfonso Rivas, 1B
- Christopher Morel, 2B
SP: Adrian Sampson, RHP
I had very little doubt Willson Contreras would catch at least one of these two games at Wrigley Field, seeing as it’ll likely be his last opportunity to do so in a Cubs uniform. But I do wonder if we’re approaching his final game behind the plate for the Cubs at all.
With a night game tonight, followed by a day game tomorrow, Contreras will – at best – be the DH for the finale against the Pirates. After that, there’s just four games before the Trade Deadline, with no certainty that it’ll take until the final buzzer to get something done. Given the slightly increased risk of injury behind the plate (and with three catchers on the roster), I just don’t know why the Cubs would risk it after tonight.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:05 CT).