Chicago Cubs Lineup (7/4/22): Suzuki in Right, Bote at First, Steele Pitching

The Chicago Cubs (32-47) are on a bit of a roll for the first time all season. They’ve won three series in a row and four of their last five. Make no mistake, there’s no chance this season turns around, but it is good to see the younger prospects getting some pretty substantial playing time with the Big Club and winning while doing it.

Justin Steele (3-5, 4.39 ERA) is one of the Cubs’ bright young players, and his performance this season has seen him on an upward trajectory. While his 4.39 ERA isn’t much to write home about, his 3.50 FIP tells us that he’s actually been pretty good this season while the defense behind him has not been particularly good.

Steele has given up two or fewer earned runs in four of his past five starts. He also has only surrendered five home runs in his 69.2 innings pitched, good for an outstanding .65 HR/9, which is 14th best in MLB among starters with at least 60 innings pitched. The Brewers have 113 home runs this season, which ranks them 4th in MLB, so keeping the ball in the yard against them is going to go a long way (pun intended) in getting the 4th of July win today.

Christopher Morel is leading off today playing second, Willson Contreras is catching, Ian Happ is in left, Seiya Suzuki returns from the IL and is in right, and Nico Hoerner is at short. Patrick Wisdom is at third, Yan Gomes is DH, Nelson Velázquez is in center, and David Bote is at first.

First pitch today is scheduled for 3:10pm CT. The game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.

Happy 4th of July, #Cubs fans! pic.twitter.com/T9ihCiZsyT

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 4, 2022