Later this afternoon, the Cubs and Orioles will make up a game from early June. But unlike the start of this series, the Orioles are actually now fighting for a spot in the playoffs. Here’s the Cubs lineup for the two-game finale in Baltimore.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Nick Madrigal, 2B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ian Happ, LF
- Franmil Reyes, DH
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Nelson Velázquez, RF
- P.J. Higgins, 1B
- Zach McKinstry, 3B
- Chris Morel, CF
SP: Adrian Sampson, RHP
With Willson Contreras and Nick Madrigal back in the starting lineup (they both got the day off yesterday), Nico Hoerner moves all the way back down to fifth, which I don’t think matters too much at this point. He’s hit well enough to earn a spot higher, but winning games isn’t the priority right now. I much rather see extra at-bats go to Madrigal and possible Reyes, who still have some auditioning to do for next season.
One of today’s notable resters is Patrick Wisdom, which leaves third base open for Zach McKinstry and first base open for P.J. Higgins, whom we’ve seen more of lately. Another guy I’d like to get as many reps as possible before the end of the year.
Seiya Suzuki is the other high-profile day off and with good reason. The Cubs right fielder has been struggling lately, and went 0-4 with 2Ks yesterday, dragging his overall offensive production down under the league average. I am down to nothing but hope for him to turn it up the rest of the way. I still think he LOOKS like a guy that can put it altogether. But we’re going to have to see it. Hopefully, soon.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (2:05 CT).