Chicago Cubs Lineup (8/17/19): Heyward Leads Off, Russell at 2B, Happ in LF, Lester Pitching

Two nights. Two walk-off losses. Too much.

The Cubs have continued to hit the snooze button all season long, but if a pair of heart-rending losses haven’t served as a final wakeup call, nothing will. We’ll see if that’s the case as Jason Heyward leads off in center, Nicholas Castellanos is in right, Kris Bryant is at third, and Anthony Rizzo cleans up at first.

Javy Báez plays short, Addison Russell is at second, Ian Happ is in left, and Jonathan Lucroy is catching.

They’re facing Steven Brault, a lefty swingman against whom they should be able to make something happen. Not that that’s been the case against any number of other mediocre pitchers this season. Though I usually include a relatively comprehensive breakdown here, I just don’t have the energy for it today.

Eat at Arby’s.

Jon Lester is going for the Cubs, so maybe he’ll give them a spark from the mound. Or maybe he’ll put together a great start, only to watch helplessly as his offense and/or bullpen fails to offer the requisite support. Keep your expectations low and you’ll never be disappointed.

First pitch is at 12:35pm CT on ABC 7, MLB Network (out-of-market), and 670 The Score.

Today's #Cubs lineup: pic.twitter.com/zTjqp1KSM2

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 17, 2019