NEWSLETTER
The Cubs have lost four straight, and the Orioles have won 8 in a row, as they approach .500 and inch closer to a Wild Card slot. Here’s David Ross’ lineup for the first of two quick games at Wrigley Field.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Rafael Ortega, CF
- Willson Contreras, DH
- Ian Happ, LF
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Alfonso Rivas, 1B
- Yan Gomes, C
- David Bote, 2B
SP: Adrian Sampson, RHP
Five of the Cubs last ten games (including their last three straight) have come against left-handed pitchers, which means we haven’t seen much of Rafael Ortega lately. But with the righty, Jordan Lyles, on the mound tonight, Ortega is back in there leading off and playing center field.
And for good reason:
LHH vs. Lyles: .276/.356/.515 (.373 wOBA)
RHH vs. Lyles: .271/.313/.387 (.307 wOBA)
Lefties are also walking more than twice as much against Lyles than righties, with a lot more line drives and much more hard contact. Alas, the only other lefties in the lineup are Ian Happ and Alfonso Rivas.
As for the righties in the lineup tonight, a couple are particularly hot lately, especially Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki, two of the Cubs biggest building blocks for the future.
I’ll also note that Willson Contreras has still not moved back behind the plate since returning from his injury, but David Bote is finally back starting at second base.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:05 CT).
