Chicago Cubs Lineup: Baez Leading Off; Zobrist, Heyward Sitting Out Against Mets
Jon Lester (9-4, 3.01 ERA) will take the mound tonight for the Chicago Cubs (55-36) in an effort to exact revenge against the New York Mets (49-42), a team that has owned the Cubs lately, winning seven straight contests dating back to the 2015 NLCS.
Ben Zobrist is sitting out for the second straight game but, according the Carrie Muskat of Cubs.com, there’s nothing to worry about. Joe Maddon has decided to give Ben some rest following a busy All-Star week for him.
#Cubs Zobrist not in lineup for 2nd straight game but he’s fine. Maddon wanted to give him a break since he was busy for All-Star events
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 18, 2016
Javier Baez will fill in dutifully for Ben at second base and he’ll also be batting lead-off again today. Yesterday he went 1-for-4 against the Rangers and Cole Hamels, driving in the only Cubs’ run with a double in the third inning.
Jason Heyward is also taking a day-off tonight. The outfield for tonight’s game consists of Willson Contreras (LF), Albert Almora Jr. (CF), and Matt Sczcur (RF).
Now let’s go get those pesky Mets!!!
Monday 7/18 6:05 pm WPWR, ESPN (out-of-market only)
Jon Lester (L)
vs. Mets – Steven Matz (L)
1. Javier Baez (R) 2B
2. Kris Bryant (R) 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Willson Contreras (R) LF
5. Addison Russell (R) SS
6. Matt Szczur (R) RF
7. Albert Almora Jr. (R) CF
8. David Ross (R) C
9. Jon Lester (L) P