Chicago Cubs Linuep: Happy Jake Arrieta Day, Rizzo Gets Some Rest

The Chicago Cubs (62-40) take on the Seattle Mariners (51-50) today, one day after demolishing them 12-1. I absolutely love those carefree games where you can just relax and enjoy watching the Cubs score lots and lots of runs. And Jon Lester pitched a solid game to boot.

Jake Arrieta (12-4, 2.76 ERA) will take the ball today for the Cubs. He’s riding a streak of 20 consecutive games to open the season where he’s pitched at least five innings or more in every game. He has been the model of consistency for the Cubs and, while he hasn’t been is normal dominating self over a couple games of late, he’s still been very, very good.

Anthony Rizzo will get some rest today and Willson Contreras will dutifully fill in for him at first base. Willson has rested three of the last four games after a steak of 28 consecutive starts for the Cubs.

Javier Baez is in again at second base for the sixth straight game. It will be interesting to see if Joe Maddon decides to keep Baez at second base once Jorge Soler returns to the lineup or if he’ll rotate between Zobrist and Baez. One thing is for sure, Joe likes having Javy’s bat in the lineup, and why not, he’s slashing .293/.335/.475 with 11 home runs over 275 plate appearances. Those are very close to all-star numbers, which he very well may be next year if the Cubs can find a permanent place for him in the field.

Saturday 7/30 1:20pm CSN
Jake Arrieta (R)
vs. Mariners – Wade Miley (L)
1. Dexter Fowler (S) CF
2. Kris Bryant (R) 3B
3. Ben Zobrist (S) LF
4. Javier Baez (R) 2B
5. Addison Russell (R) SS
6. Jason Heyward (L) RF
7. Willson Contreras (R) 1B
8. Miguel Montero (L) C
9. Jake Arrieta (R) P