Chicago Cubs Lineup (8/16/22): Steele Pitching, Higgins at First, Morel in Center

The Cubs are looking to get back on track and back into the win column tonight in the Nation’s Capital. They’ll do so behind the arm of LHP Justin Steele (4-7. 3.63 ERA), who takes the mound for the Cubs.

Steele seems to be getting stronger as the year progresses. Over his past two outings he has struck out 19 batters combined and given up just two earned runs. His K% has increased from 21.9% in the first half to 31% in the second half. Likewise, his BB% has improved from 10.3% to 6.9% in the second half. There’s been a lot attention on Keegan Thompson this season as a breakout stud on the pitching staff, but Steele might be even better in the long run. Not to mention, he’s a valuable lefty.

Nick Madrigal is leading off tonight and playing second, Willson Contreras is catching, Patrick Wisdom is at third, Seiya Suzuki is in right, and Franmil Reyes is DH. Nico Hoerner is at short, Nelson Velazquez is in left, P.J. Higgins is at first, and Christopher Morel is in center

First pitch is scheduled for 6:05pm CT tonight from Washington DC.

Here is tonight's #Cubs starting lineup in DC. pic.twitter.com/N7QoxP0RW9

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 16, 2022