With Chris Morel looking more comfortable lower in the order and Rafael Ortega not starting as often as he once was, Nick Madrigal has emerged as a fairly frequent leadoff choice for David Ross here lately.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Nick Madrigal, 2B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ian Happ, LF
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Franmil Reyes, DH
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Zach McKinstry, 3B
- Patrick Wisdom, 1B
- Chris Morel, CF
Madrigal also led off on Saturday and Thursday, making it three of the last four games. He’s got as much time to make up as anyone on the Cubs, so I’m fine with this for now.
With Madrigal at second base, Morel is in center, flanked by Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki in the outfield corners. Zach McKinstry and Patrick Wisdom mirror them on the infield, and Willson Contreras is behind the plate again. He sure is catching a lot more often now that the trade deadline is behind us, eh? I know Franmil Reyes’ presence is a part of that calculus, but still.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:05 CT)