Chicago Cubs Lineup: Bryant Returns, Happ Hits Cleanup, Playing Center Field

Photo of Corey Freedman Corey FreedmanMay 16, 2017

Joe Maddon hasn’t wasted any time throwing Ian Happ into the proverbial fire to begin his MLB career, and tonight will be no different. Happ will hit cleanup and patrol center field tonight as he makes his Wrigley Field debut. Happ made 45 appearances and started seven games in CF throughout his minor league career.

The Cubs begin this 10-game homestand with a record of 18-19 and welcome the 19-18 Cincinnati Reds to town. John Lackey will get the ball tonight, and for the second time this season he will be opposed by Bronson Arroyo. The last time these two met (April 23, 2017 at Cincinnati) the Reds beat the Cubs 7-5, with Arroyo tossing six innings, allowing just two runs on three hits, while striking out seven.

After not playing in the entire series against the Cardinals, Kris Bryant is back in the lineup. Without Bryant, the Cubs only managed to score 6 runs in the three games against the Cardinals. His bat will be a welcome addition against the Reds in a series the Cubs could really use to help them break out of the funk they’re in.

Photo of Corey Freedman Corey FreedmanMay 16, 2017
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