Chicago Cubs Lineup – 2016 NLDS Game 1: Lester Pitching, Javy at second, Zobrist in Left

Here we go and here it is, the Chicago Cubs lineup for game 1 of the 2016 NLDS against the San Francisco Giants. Jon Lester (19-5, 2.44 ERA) will take the hill for the Cubs and he’ll be up against the Giants’ Johnny Cueto (18-5, 2.79 ERA). Both have had exceptional seasons for their respective teams so expect this to be a low scoring, tight game to the very end.

The Cubs announced their NLDS roster earlier today and there were no real surprises. It’s good to see that Albert Almora made the cut but don’t expect to see him starting any game in this series. He’ll be there strictly for defense and pinch-running support off the bench. Of course, Almora made the cut over Matt Szczur, who had himself a very productive season off the bench for the Cubs. Bottom line is that Almora offers better defense and more speed off the bench then Szczur.

For the game tonight, the Cubs have defensively shored up the left side of the field, with lefty Jon Lester on the mound facing a mostly righty lineup from the Giants. That means Kris Bryant will start at third base, Javier Baez is in at second base and Ben Zobrist moves out to left field.

Be sure to check out the series preview with all the TV/Game info, pitching match-ups and series keys.

No other surprises for the Chicago Cubs lineup tonight. Here it is – #LetsGo!