Chicago Cubs Lineup: Lackey, Cubs Looking to Make it Two in a Row

Let’s face it, day games at Wrigley Field are the best, especially when the Chicago Cubs (52-30) are winning. They line up behind John Lackey (7-4, 3.27 ERA) today at 1:20 PM CDT to take on the Reds, a team the Cubs have had a lot of success against this season.

Yesterday Joe Maddon slotted Jason Heyward into the sixth spot in the lineup and he responded by going 2-for-4. It was good to see Jason getting involved and hopefully he can do it again today from the sixth spot. At this point in the season it would be a big boost if Heyward can start swinging the bat better than he has so far this year, slashing a lowly .235/.325/.326.

Joe’s also gone back to batting the pitcher eighth in the lineup, something he did with regularity in 2015 but has shied away from so far in 2016, until the last two games.

Willson Contreras has become a mainstay in the Cubs lineup since his call-up on June 17th. He’s now started in 13 straight games; seven in left field, five at catcher and one at first base. That’s versatility.

Tuesday 7/5 1:20pm
John Lackey (R)
vs. Reds – Brandon Finnegan (L)
1. Ben Zobrist (S) RF
2. Kris Bryant (R) 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Willson Contreras (R) LF
5. Addison Russell (R) SS
6. Jason Heyward (L) CF
7. David Ross (R) C
8. John Lackey (R) P
9. Javier Baez (R) 2B