Chicago Cubs Lineup: Hammel Pitching, La Stella at 3rd and Batting Lead-off

If there was ever a time for the Chicago Cubs (52-32) to break out of their funk, now would be it. Jason Hammel (7-5, 3.45 ERA) is pitching today against the woeful Atlanta Braves (28-57) in a game that you’d think would be a slam dunk win for the Cubs. After losing 2-of-3 to the last place Cincinnati Reds, we find that truly anything is possible in today’s game.

Tommy La Stella is batting in the lead-off position for the Cubs and playing third base. That puts Kris Bryant in left field and batting second. That’s quite an interesting one-two punch, not to mention having to then deal with Anthony Rizzo followed by Ben Zobrist.

Willson Contreras is behind the plate today catching for Jason Hammel. Jason Heyward stays in the six-spot in the rotation. If there’s one thing I’d love to see, it’s Jason Heyward starting to hit for better average and more power, particularly while he’s batting this low in the order.

Thursday 7/7 7:05pm
Jason Hammel (R)
vs. Braves – Lucas Harrell (R)
1. Tommy La Stella (L) 3B
2. Kris Bryant (R) LF
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Ben Zobrist (S) RF
5. Willson Contreras (R) C
6. Jason Heyward (L) CF
7. Addison Russell (R) SS
8. Jason Hammel (R) P
9. Javier Baez (R) 2B