The Cubs are starting a new series against the Rockies at Wrigley Field today, the first of their final 9 games in Chicago this season. Here’s David Ross’ lineup for the classic “Friday 1:20” start time.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Zach McKinstry, 2B
- Ian Happ, LF
- Yan Gomes, C
- Franmil Reyes, DH
- David Bote, 3B
- Jared Young, 1B
- Michael Hermosillo, CF
- Nelson Velázquez, RF
- Chris Morel, SS
SP: Marcus Stroman, RHP
With injuries to Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, Willson Contreras, Nick Madrigal, and Rafael Ortega, plus the exodus of Jason Heyward, there is exactly ONE PLAYER in today’s starting lineup that was in the Cubs 2022 Opening Day lineup: Ian Happ.
Hell, McKinstry (Dodgers) and Reyes (Guardians) weren’t even in the organization, and the rest were injured or in the minors. It’s been a long season.
But, hey, let’s set all that aside for now, because today is Jared Young’s big league debut, and that’s always fun.
Young, 27, raked at the lower levels of the system for a couple seasons after he was drafted in the 15th round of the 2017 draft, and he was even named the Cubs’ minor league player of the year in 2018. But his bat has fallen off this year at Triple-A (.228/.310/.413/90 wRC+). He is capable of playing in the outfield, as well as the right side of the infield, so he’s got plenty of versatility going for him.
Today, he’ll start at first base, which gives P.J. Higgins and Alfonso Rivas a day off.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT).