Cubs Lineup: Looking to Bounce Back, Hammel Faces Off Against deGrom

Jason Hammel (7-4, 2.58 ERA) will take the hill tonight seeking to pick up his elusive eighth win as the Chicago Cubs (51-27) take on the New York Mets (41-37). He hasn’t won since June 4th against Arizona. That makes four straight games he’s started that the Cubs have gone on to lose. Hopefully, he can return to his early season form that saw him dominate opposing hitters.

Ben Zobrist is certainly turning into the main stay lead-off man for Joe Maddon while Dexter Fowler is on the DL. This is his sixth consecutive start batting lead-off. He’s got two hits in each of his last three games.

Willson Contreras, who keeps playing well for the Cubs, is back in tonight at the catcher position. This is Willson’s ninth straight start. Great to see him getting so many starts and quality playing time.

Javier Baez is manning third base while Kris Bryant is in left field. Frankly, I like this combination the best. I think Baez is best suited for third due to his dynamic defensive skills and gun of an arm. Bryant can play left field well and rarely makes dumb mistakes out there. That, and I also like it when they’re both in the lineup.

Friday 7/1 6:10pm
Jason Hammel (R)
@ Mets – Jacob deGrom (R)
1. Ben Zobrist (S) 2B
2. Jason Heyward (L) RF
3. Kris Bryant (R) LF
4. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
5. Willson Contreras (R) C
6. Javier Baez (R) 3B
7. Addison Russell (R) SS
8. Jason Hammel (R) P
9. Albert Almora Jr. (R) CF