Chicago Cubs Lineup (9/10/22): Ortega DH, Bote at Third, Stroman on Hill

The Chicago Cubs can secure their first series win of September with a win today against the San Francisco Giants. What started as a very solid second half has turned into a 23-23 post All-Star break record, but the Cubs have plenty of runway to finish the season off with a winning post-break tally.

Marcus Stroman has had his challenges this season, not the least of which was a trip to the IL back in June. Since returning from the IL in July, Stroman has earned a 2.49 ERA including 45 strikeouts and just 17 walks in 61.1 innings pitched. That’s exactly the type of production the Cubs were looking for when they signed him in the offseason to a 3-year deal, and it’s what they’re hoping for from him next season when the Cubs should be much more competitive.

Zach McKinstry has been very underwhelming since being traded from the Dodgers for reliever Chris Martin, slashing just .175/.224/.263 with a 27.9% K rate, but there he is at the top of the lineup playing second. Nico Hoerner, who has been exceptional all season, is playing short, Seiya Suzuki is in right, Ian Happ is in left, and Rafael Ortega, another headscratcher, is DH(?). P.J. Higgins is catching, Alfonso Rivas is at first, David Bote is at third, and Christopher Morel is in center.

First pitch is scheduled from 1:20pm CT from beautiful and historic Wrigley Field.

Here is today's #Cubs starting lineup against the Giants. pic.twitter.com/oncpNaKgUU

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 10, 2022