Chicago Cubs Lineup (6/5/22): Steele Pitching, Morel in Center, Happ in Left

The Cubs came very close to sweeping the doubleheader, winning the first game with ease 6-1 but then dropping the second game, Caleb Kilian‘s MLB debut, in 10 innings 7-4. Nonetheless, the Cubs can win the five-game series with a victory over the Cardinals tonight on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball.

Justin Steele‘s (1-5, 5.40 ERA) numbers tell the story of a pitcher who’s been struggling but the bottom line is that he actually hasn’t been bad. His BABIP of .342 is way higher than the MLB average of .300, and that’s largely due to the poor defense the Cubs have played when he’s been on the mound. That’s reflected in a 3.22 FIP, which is very respectable.

Christopher Morel has hit safely now in his first 19 MLB games, which is the longest on-base streak to start a career by any active player. He’ll be leading off tonight for the Cubs playing center. Willson Contreras is catching, Ian Happ is playing left, Frank Schwindel is at first, and Patrick Wisdom is playing third. Rafael Ortega is DH, Nico Hoerner is at short, Jason Heyward is in right, and Nick Madrigal is playing second.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:08pm CT and the game will be broadcast on ESPN and 670 The Score.

Here is tonight's #Cubs starting lineup at Wrigley Field. pic.twitter.com/nWGt0CIVB2

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 5, 2022