Cubs vs Cardinals: Lineups, Pitching Matchup, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

Do not help the Cardinals get right. Do not help the Cardinals get right. Do not help the Cardinals get right. Here’s a look at the Chicago Cubs lineup for the second of three games at Wrigley Field.

Chicago Cubs Lineup:

1. Nick Madrigal, 3B
2. Dansby Swanson, SS
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Cody Bellinger, CF
5. Seiya Suzuki, RF
6. Eric Hosmer, DH
7. Matt Mervis, 1B
8. Chris Morel, 2B
9. Miguel Amaya, C

I am happy that Christopher Morel and Miguel Amaya are in the Cubs lineup today, even if the former is spelling an injured Nico Hoerner at second base and the latter is still covering for a concussed Yan Gomes. That’s why quality depth is a good thing to have. But I am not particularly thrilled to see Nick Madrigal lead off or Eric Hosmer back in the starting lineup at all.

I don’t really know what the alternative would be for leadoff, but Madrigal is in another deep slump and has a 70 wRC+ (.292 OBP) for the season. And he’s the guy leading off this relatively critical early-May game? Oof. That’s a real dedication to not messing with Swanson, Happ, Bellinger, or Suzuki’s spot in the Cubs lineup. And I’m not sure that’s necessary. Patrick Wisdom is also slumping and probably not a great matchup against Flaherty, so I get that part. Hopefully, Madrigal can bounce a few past the infielders.

As for Hosmer, whatever. I probably would have rolled with Trey Mancini, but any interest in seeing Hosmer in a purely off the bench role seems to be in vein. Please, Cubs. Do not help the Cardinals get right.

St. Louis Cardinals Lineup:

1. Lars Nootbaar, RF
2. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
3. Nolan Gorman, 2B
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Willson Contreras, DH
6. Brendan Donovan, LF
7. Paul DeJong, SS
8. Dylan Carlson, CF
9. Andrew Knizner, C

Pitching Matchup:

Chicago Cubs: Jameson Taillon, RHP

Jameson Taillon is back on the mound tonight, making his second start since returning off the IL with a groin strain. His first start back (@WSN) was short, and technically not effective, but the Cubs didn’t have a lot of great fill-in options and he was on a pitch count. And frankly, I thought he looked fine. Hopefully, five days later, he’s feeling healthy and ready to go for a longer outing. The Cubs could use it.

Notable Matchups:

• Contreras: 3-15, 3 2Bs, 7K
• Goldschmidt: 1-6, 2K

St. Louis Cardinals: Jack Flaherty, RHP

Jack Flaherty has allowed 14 earned runs over his last 7.0 IP. So naturally, you can expect him to go 6.0 shutout innings tonight against the Cubs. I’m shook after the Cubs lineup helped Miles Mikolas and Sandy Alcantara get back on track over the last couple games.

Notable Matchups:

• Bellinger: 1-11, 5K
• Hosmer: 1-6, K
• Swanson: 1-6, K
• Happ: 1-5, HR, 2BB, 2K

Broadcast Info:

Chicago Cubs (17-18) vs St. Louis Cardinals (12-24) at 6:40 pm CT on Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score