Tonight, the Cubs are starting an important series of four games against the Reds in Cincinnati. And to start with left-hander Wade Miley, David Ross has some new names in his starting lineup.
Chicago Cubs lineup:
1. Kris Bryant, LF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Javy Baez, SS
4. Kyle Schwarber, DH
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. Steven Souza Jr., RF
7. David Bote, 3B
8. Nico Hoerner, 2B
9. Albert Almora Jr., CF
With Miley on the mound tonight, I had no doubt that we would see Albert Almora Jr. grab his first start, as well as Nico Hoerner returning to second base. However, what we didn’t know for sure was how Ross was going to juggle Jason Heyward (inside or outside), Kyle Schwarber (left field or DH), Steven Souza Jr. (right or left field) and David Bote (inside or outside).
Now we know, and although it is not exactly how I would have handled it, I agree with this agreement.
That said, this alignment rests heavily on hope. For example, while Almora started his career as a left-hander, he actually fought mightily against them last season, slashing .213 / .254 / .278 (37 wRC +) in 53 games (108 PA). Similarly, David Bote worked with lefties on his 2018 debut: .275 / .381 / .490 (134 wRC +), but dropped to 80 wRC + last season. And finally, while Steven Souza Jr. has always handled lefties well throughout his career (108 wRC +), it’s been almost two full years since he took a turn at bat in a major league game.
However, I generally like the process behind these decisions (although I probably wouldn’t have eliminated Ian Happ, who has been absolutely smoking the ball), and I think this lineup gives the Cubs a good chance to win. As usual, we’ll get your full pre-gamin ‘post closer to game time (5:40 CT).
