Chicago Cubs Lineup: Baez Sits, Contreras in Left Field

The Chicago Cubs (67-41) are on a roll lately winning their last five games and, after going 12-14 in July losing 8-of-10 before the break, the Cubs are 14-6 ever since.

Jake Arrieta (12-5, 2.75 ERA), uncharacteristically, has not registered a win since June 27 at Cincinnati. In fact, the Cubs haven’t won a Jake Arrieta start over that same period. That’s five consecutive starts. There’s no question that is bound to turn around and I can’t think of a better time than today, which would push the Cubs winning streak to six games.

Jorge Soler, fresh off his recent rehab assignment, is back in the lineup today and, once again, it’s as the designated hitter. In case you missed it, Jorge Soler homered in his first at-bat last night. That was exciting to see and it’d be great if he could add a boost of offense to the Cubs down the home stretch of the season.

Jason Heyward is in right field and Joe Maddon has swapped him and Jorge in the lineup today when compared to yesterday’s lineup. Jason was in the seven slot yesterday and is batting sixth today.

Heyward continues to be one of the biggest mysteries for the Cubs this year – well, except maybe for Tommy La Stella – and he struck out three times last night against pedestrian pitching from the Athletics. He’s another guy that can ignite at anytime.

Saturday 8/6 3:05pm CSN
Jake Arrieta (R)
@ Athletics – Sonny Gray (R)
1. Dexter Fowler (S) CF
2. Kris Bryant (R) 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Ben Zobrist (S) 2B
5. Addison Russell (R) SS
6. Jason Heyward (L) RF
7. Jorge Soler (R) DH
8. Miguel Montero (L) C
9. Willson Contreras (R) LF