Chicago Cubs Lineup: Lester to Close Out Cardinals Series, A Cast of Regulars for the Cubs

The Chicago Cubs (92-52) magic number stands at 3. If they can pull out the win today, that number will fall to 1. That would pave the way for the Cubs to clinch the division on Thursday, at home, before what is sure to be a sold out Wrigley Field. But first things first.

Jon Lester (16-4, 2.51 ERA) will be on the mound today for the Cubs as they close out this three-game series in St. Louis. As the Cardinals battle for a Wild Card spot – they’re currently 1/2 game back of the final Wild Card spot – they have shown a sense of desperation, not something we’re used to seeing from them but a nice turn of the tables.

Today’s lineup is, once again, a cast of regulars. This is an important game for the Cubs because, while they can’t clinch today, they can reduce the magic number by two, something that they won’t be able to do on their own after they head home to play the Brewers.

For me, this an ideal lineup. I love Javier Baez at third base – for that matter, I love him any where in the infield – and Kris Bryant is the Cubs’ best option in left field when looking at both offense and defense.

Here’s today’s Chicago Cubs lineup: