NEWSLETTER
In a different world, I think there’d be a lot of pushback for a lineup like the one the Cubs are rolling out today. A “Triple-A lineup,” they’d call it, including the starting pitcher. But no one really seems to care right now, because these guys just keep on winning.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Zach McKinstry, 2B
- Ian Happ, LF
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Alfonso Rivas, 1B
- P.J. Higgins, C
- Michael Hermosillo, CF
- Jared Young, DH
- Nelson Velázquez, RF
- Chris Morel, SS
SP: Hayden Wesneski, RHP
Of course, this is what a lineup looks like when Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, Willson Contreras, Nick Madrigal, and Rafael Ortega are all out with injuries. In their place(s), we’ve got Zach McKinstry leading off and playing second base next to Chris Morel batting ninth and playing short (I continue to be impressed with what he’s been able to handle in his rookie season, even as the numbers have cooled off at the end of the year).
Center field goes to Michael Hermosillo and P.J. Higgins is the man behind the plate this afternoon.
Jared Young slides over to DH following his first career hit yesterday, leaving first base open for the lefty Alfonso Rivas. And Nelson Velázquez moves from center to right.
I gotta think these guys are having the time of their life playing baseball right now. Especially because, for many of them, this is the most consistent playing time they might see for at least a few years (if not ever).
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT).
