NEWSLETTER
Tonight, the Chicago Cubs will face newly acquired left-handed Jose Quintana in the second-half of a day-night double-header. Quintana has faced the Cubs three times already this season (all with the Pirates) and has generally been successful. Here’s David Ross’ lineup for the finale in St. Louis.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Chris Morel, CF
- Willson Contreras, DH
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Nelson Velázquez, LF
- Frank Schwindel, 1B
- P.J. Higgins, C
- Nick Madrigal, 2B
SP: Sean Newcomb, LHP
Chris Morel and Nick Madrigal were both in the initial lineup vs. Miles Mikolas last night, but with a double-header today and a lefty on the mound in game two, Ross held them back this morning. Now, Morel is back up top, leading off and playing center field while Madrigal returns to the starting lineup playing second base, batting 9th.
Madrigal hit well enough – in terms of average and OBP – while at Iowa on his rehab assignment, but the power continues to be debilitatingly lacking. I had hoped he’d stay in Iowa a bit longer to get right, but the Cubs had different plans. So here’s to hope as a strategy, because I’m not yet convinced he’s ready to hit for enough power to keep his bat in the lineup.
Madrigal is 1-6 with a single against Quintana lifetime.
Also, it’s P.J. Higgins behind the plate tonight with Willson Contreras at DH, because Yan Gomes is 3-24 with 11Ks against Jose Quintana. Ouch!
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:45 CT).
