Chicago Cubs Lineup (6/2/22): Morel Leads Off, Happ Sixth, Thompson Looks For 6-0 Start

The Cubs open a five-game series with the Cardinals tonight at Wrigley, putting a cap on a stretch of 11 games in nine days. This is the first time these two teams have meet this season, making it their latest first game between them in a normal season since they June 23, 1997. Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado have been raking, so it won’t be easy for Cubs pitchers.

Keegan Thompson (5-0, 1.58 ERA) is pitching well beyond what any expectations were for him coming into this season. He has the second-lowest ERA in MLB among all pitchers with at least 40 innings pitched. Thompson was so good coming out of the bullpen that he’s practically forced Manager David Ross to play him as a starter.

In his first three starts, Thompson has allowed just three runs over 14 total innings pitched while walking just three batters. He hasn’t been able to last beyond the 5th inning, however, and he’s thrown over 70 pitches only once this season in his last outing on May 28 (77), a 5-1 win over the White Sox.

Having Thompson make it into the 6th or 7th inning tonight would be a great way to start this five-game series for the Cubs. The real question is whether the Cubs’ offense can put up enough runs to take advantage of a quality start from Thompson.

Christopher Morel leads off in center, Willson Contreras is the DH, Patrick Wisdom is at third, and Frank Schwindel plays first as the cleanup hitter. Nico Hoerner is at short, Ian Happ is in left, Clint Frazier is in right, and P.J. Higgins is behind the dish. Nick Madrigal bats ninth and plays second.

First pitch tonight is at 7:05pm CT. The game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.

Here is tonight's #Cubs starting lineup at Wrigley Field. pic.twitter.com/YJAtUrufmB

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 2, 2022