Chicago Cubs Lineup

Chicago Cubs Lineup (6/23/19): Bote at 2B, Caratini Catching, Hamels Goes for Split

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanJune 23, 2019

Who else is stoked to watch the Cubs face the reigning NL Cy Young winner after dropping two straight? Whoa, don’t everybody put your hands up at once! Facing Lucas Giolito felt like a tall task too, and look how that turned out.

Kyle Schwarber is leading off in left, Kris Bryant — who has reached base in 65 of 71 games — is at third, Anthony Rizzo is back at first, and Javy Báez is at short. Jason Heyward plays right, David Bote is at second, Victor Caratini catches, and Albert Almora Jr. bats last in center.

Jacob deGrom is a flat-out stud and there’s really not much to say scouting-wise. I mean, there is, but he’s a known commodity and I’m going to be driving all over dropping kids at summer camp today. As such, the analysis is being kept to a minimum.

Dude throws hard and he’s got a very good changeup with an excellent curve, but the slider that was so devastating last season hasn’t been sharp at all in 2019. That has prevented deGrom from being an overpowering force and could give the Cubs the leverage they need.

Cole Hamels has been unreal over the last several starts now, locating with precision and pulling the string on his changeup as well as he ever has. He’ll be in for a battle against a Mets team that has crushed lefties this season and is feeling plenty confident, so this one could get interesting.

The pitchers’ duel bows at 1:20pm CT on ABC-7 and 670 The Score.

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanJune 23, 2019
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